7.5   Groundwater vulnerability

(1)  The objectives of this clause are to maintain the hydrological functions of key groundwater systems and to protect vulnerable groundwater resources from depletion and contamination as a result of inappropriate development.

(2)  This clause applies to land identified as “Groundwater Vulnerability (Moderately High)” on the Groundwater Vulnerability Map.

(3)  Before determining a development application for development on land to which this clause applies, the consent authority must consider:

(a)  whether or not the development (including any on-site storage or disposal of solid or liquid waste and chemicals) is likely to cause any groundwater contamination or have any adverse effect on groundwater dependent ecosystems, and

(b)  the cumulative impact (including the impact on nearby groundwater extraction for potable water supply or stock water supply) of the development and any other existing development on groundwater.

(4)  Development consent must not be granted to development on land to which this clause applies unless the consent authority is satisfied that:

(a)  the development is designed, sited and will be managed to avoid any significant adverse environmental impact, or

(b)  if that impact cannot be reasonably avoided—the development is designed, sited and will be managed to minimise that impact, or

(c)  if that impact cannot be minimised—the development will be managed to mitigate that impact.