3   Objects

The objects of this Act are to provide for the sustainable and integrated management of the water sources of the State for the benefit of both present and future generations and, in particular:

(a)  to apply the principles of ecologically sustainable development, and

(b)  to protect, enhance and restore water sources, their associated ecosystems, ecological processes and biological diversity and their water quality, and

(c)  to recognise and foster the significant social and economic benefits to the State that result from the sustainable and efficient use of water, including:

(i)  benefits to the environment, and

(ii)  benefits to urban communities, agriculture, fisheries, industry and recreation, and

(iii)  benefits to culture and heritage, and

(iv)  benefits to the Aboriginal people in relation to their spiritual, social, customary and economic use of land and water,

(d)  to recognise the role of the community, as a partner with government, in resolving issues relating to the management of water sources,

(e)  to provide for the orderly, efficient and equitable sharing of water from water sources,

(f)  to integrate the management of water sources with the management of other aspects of the environment, including the land, its soil, its native vegetation and its native fauna,

(g)  to encourage the sharing of responsibility for the sustainable and efficient use of water between the Government and water users,

(h)  to encourage best practice in the management and use of water.