Water and Ecologically Sustainable Development in the Courts

Australia is the driest inhabited continent with scarce water resources. The demands of a rapidly growing population and economy, including agriculture, exceed supply, with significant environmental consequences for present and future generations. Disputes concerning the sustainability of use of scarce water resources have been litigated in Australian courts. The disputes have focused on the construction of water structures, the impacts of development on the water environment, the impact of the water environment on development and the sustainable use of water resources. The cases provide insight into the problems and suggested solutions to achieving sustainable use of water resources