Subject details

Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:

  1. demonstrate a thorough understanding of the fundamental principles of water management and how ecologically sustainable development is regulated by the state;
  2. use cognitive skills to identify legal issues and apply legal and theoretical principles to resolve resource management claims and issues;
  3. use initiative and judgement to critically analyse and evaluate information and concepts relating to interests and obligations surrounding water access, use and ecologically sustainable development; and
  4. present structured well-researched and referenced responses to set hypothetical problems and research topics. 
    • Topics are available to enrolled students through the unit's Moodle site.

In order to enrol in this subject, you must be accepted into one of the following degrees:

Special requirements

  • EquipmentDetails - Headphones or speakers (may be required to listen to lectures and other media) Headset, including microphone (highly recommended) Webcam (may be required for participation in virtual classrooms and/or media presentations)
  • OtherDetails -

    It is essential for students to have reliable internet access in order to participate in and complete their units.

    UNE's minimum requirements for all students in relation to the hardware and software a student requires to support their learning are found at: http://www.une.edu.au/current-students/support/it-services/hardware

Water law and governance is contentious in Australia, involving vexed fault lines between the goals of ecologically sustainable development (ESD) and economic activity, such as mining and agriculture. As a natural resource of significance, water management and usage is regulated by State and Commonwealth legislation. This unit considers reforms from the mid 1990s forward, focusing on key legislation and its role in marrying environmental protection with resource access and use. We confront a diversity of expectations associated with ecologically sustainable development including tension between the aspirations of sustainable development, and ensuring protection for private rights and freedoms.

Assignment 1 Essay: 1500 words (approx). Relates to Learning Outcomes (LO) LO: 1, 2, 4. Assignment 2 Essay: 2000 words (approx). Relates to Learning Outcomes (LO) LO: 2, 3, 4

  • Assignment 1 - Essay (40%%)
  • Assignment 2 - Essay (60%%)