"Anthony (Tony) Cameron" wrote in
message news:g3i1nv4328abuk1h3ulii27o7mjpfo7sa9@primus...

Yes, I am aware that the drought extends to many other areas but our
council is a bit less prepared than many. They are very bloody minded
and illogical about many things. I have a waterfront property, river,
not canal, and they have attempted to tell me that I cannot pump water
from the river although there is no dam, or agricultural demand on the
water between me and the sea. I have been told, and am exploring the
matter, that they have no authority in that area, and that I can get a
state Government license to pump water. If I can, that will solve my
problems but not the community's unfortunately.


I think in QLD the body is responsible for legislation on water use is
something like the dept of Natural Resources and Mining. They may have
delegated some things to local government or there may be a link to your
local government act (or whatever its title is). I would ask them.
There appears to be a web site www.nrm.qld.gov.au but I cannot get to it
now for some reason.

All the states changed their water legislation about 2000, in NSW you
can legally pump from permanent rivers and lakes without a license
provided that it is for domestic purposes (including gardens for no
commercial use) or stock watering. Whether QLD is the same I don't
know.


The Gold Coast Council in its infinite lack of wisdom has banned the
use of grey water. They must be the only council to do so, but there
is a heavy penalty in force if you are caught. I have spoken to Daphne
MacDonald and Michael May regarding the matter and they are adamant.
No grey water. Daphne MacDonald is the councilor in charge of Gold
Coast Water. As for the rest, I do mulch and have planted a lot more
trees and shrubs and am looking at other forms of ground cover. I am
putting in some large areas of decking and in front I intend to pave
and place a lot of large tubs and pot plants. You can still legally
water those.


Our council is the same - no grey water. The one next door is fine for
grey water. Such is life.

David