❓ Hon Jess Beckerling questions the Minister for Water regarding DWER's monitoring of water licence compliance, citing concerns from an Auditor General's report. The Minister responds, outlining current FTE allocation, recent increases, and future plans for resource and technology investment.
AnsweredQoN 385Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
Water licences—Monitoring385.Hon Jess Beckerlingto theLeader of the House
representing the Minister for Water:I
refer to page 9 of the Office of the Auditor General's report titledRegulation of Water Licences,
which states that "DWER does not effectively monitor or enforce the
conditions on the more than 12,000 water licences in the State."(1)How many FTE roles currently
exist in the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation whereby the primary
responsibility is monitoring compliance with water licence conditions?(2)In the past two years, what
percentage increase or decrease has there been in FTE allocation for roles at
DWER whereby the primary function is water licence compliance monitoring?(3)What
plans exist to increase FTEs for roles at DWER whereby water licence compliance
monitoring is the primary function?
representing the Minister for Water:I
refer to page 9 of the Office of the Auditor General's report titledRegulation of Water Licences,
which states that "DWER does not effectively monitor or enforce the
conditions on the more than 12,000 water licences in the State."(1)How many FTE roles currently
exist in the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation whereby the primary
responsibility is monitoring compliance with water licence conditions?(2)In the past two years, what
percentage increase or decrease has there been in FTE allocation for roles at
DWER whereby the primary function is water licence compliance monitoring?(3)What
plans exist to increase FTEs for roles at DWER whereby water licence compliance
monitoring is the primary function?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
19 June 2025
Response time
0 days
Hon Stephen Dawson replied:I
thank the honourable member for some notice of the question. I provide this
answer on behalf of the Minister for Water.(1) There are 13 FTE whose roles are primarily
focused on water compliance and assurance.(2) There has been an 85% increase in FTE.(3) As part of the 2025–26 budget, the
Department of Water and Environmental Regulation has been allocated additional
resourcing for water regulation. Part of these roles will be involved in
compliance support activities, such as hydrogeological expertise and review of reports
and modelling provided by proponents. The department is also planning
additional investment in technology, such as meter telemetry, satellite imagery
and drones, which can further support the efficiency and effectiveness of its
water compliance activities.
Water licences—Monitoring
thank the honourable member for some notice of the question. I provide this
answer on behalf of the Minister for Water.(1) There are 13 FTE whose roles are primarily
focused on water compliance and assurance.(2) There has been an 85% increase in FTE.(3) As part of the 2025–26 budget, the
Department of Water and Environmental Regulation has been allocated additional
resourcing for water regulation. Part of these roles will be involved in
compliance support activities, such as hydrogeological expertise and review of reports
and modelling provided by proponents. The department is also planning
additional investment in technology, such as meter telemetry, satellite imagery
and drones, which can further support the efficiency and effectiveness of its
water compliance activities.
Water licences—Monitoring
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