Department ofLocal Government, Water and Volunteers

2026-27 Annual compliance plan

The 2026-27 Annual compliance plan is available.

For 2026 – 2027, the enduring priorities continue to build on the foundation established in previous years, with an updated focus on regulatory effectiveness, transparency and stakeholder engagement to continue to support water users by taking visible action to address non-compliance.

Enduring priorities

The enduring priorities reflect the highest risks for the department across all regulatory areas. They do not exclude the department’s other regulatory responsibilities.

All non-compliance, regardless of whether it falls within an enduring priority area, is investigated and enforcement action taken where appropriate, in accordance with the department’s Regulatory strategy 2025-29.

Continued improvements to our regulatory outcomes ensure fair, sustainable and equitable use of water.

Drive positive behaviour change and encourage quality, timely information received including leveraging digital submission of information

Our objectives

  • We will focus on influencing behaviours to support compliant outcomes more effectively by monitoring information we receive. Timely and accurate information is essential for effective water resource management.
  • We will continue to encourage the use of our digital services to supply information to the department. By fostering a culture of compliance, we aim to support future sustainability and security for the next generations.

Our activities

  • Undertake proactive reviews of key submissions to identify quality and timeliness issues, enabling targeted engagement that encourages voluntary compliance and improves the standard of information provided to the department.
  • Deliver targeted communication to the regulated community to raise awareness and understanding of measurement requirements so that we can enhance regular use of digital services for measurement processes.
  • Audit water bores under construction to improve the quality of drill log data.
Improve trust, confidence and understanding through engagement and education

Our objectives

  • We will build trust through clear communication and a visible regulatory presence by delivering clear, consistent and targeted communication to our stakeholders using a variety of communication channels.
  • We will engage with our stakeholders and regulated communities to better understand their priorities and deliver messages that support compliant outcomes.
  • We will increase the department’s visibility within the regulatory community to improve understanding of how greater water affordability and availability can support economic development opportunities.

Our activities

  • Deliver targeted communication and engagement activities to advise the regulated community about their regulatory requirements.
  • Deliver workshops and forums and publish newsletters to provide targeted communication and engagement activities to our stakeholders.
  • Respond to compliance related complaints by advising outcomes, where appropriate, to build trust and confidence.
  • Advise relevant parties of audit outcomes following proactive audits, either in person during the audit, or by further communication.
  • Provide timely and relevant education and reminders through proactive communication with the regulated community.
Address high risk non-compliant behaviour to encourage and support those doing the right thing

Our objectives

  • We will support the regulated community and protect water resources by taking appropriate action to address non-compliant behaviour. Addressing non-compliant behaviour is critical to maintaining the integrity of Queensland’s water management framework.
  • We will respond to non-compliance to ensure that our water resources are sustainably managed to provide reliable and affordable water supplies for Queensland communities and businesses.
  • We aim to deliver long term water security and highlight compliant behaviours to protect Queensland’s water resources for all users. Supporting compliant behaviour requires us to address non-compliance fairly, consistently and transparently.
  • We will highlight compliant behaviours to demonstrate the benefits of meeting obligations

Our activities

  • Respond to non-compliant behaviours and escalate in accordance with the Regulatory Strategy 2025-2029 in the following areas:
    • unauthorised and excess take
    • interference of water
    • certification of measurement devices
    • non-supplied meter readings to support further water availability.
  • Identify high-risk providers and focus on education pathways to support and encourage compliance.
  • Undertake targeted compliance and engagement activities to encourage compliant behaviour in high-risk dam owners and service providers.
  • Communicate site inspection outcomes and audit findings in a timely manner to increase compliance by the regulatory community.
  • Communicate to the drilling community about performance and use existing activities to escalate breaches with a focus on high-risk areas in the Queensland Murray Darling Basin.

Last updated: 03 Aug 2026