In the National Water Act Chapter 2 deals with water management strategies and Chapter 7 with catchment management agencies.
Chapter 2
Part 1 (section 5-7): The development of a national water resource strategy to provide the framework for the protection, use, development, conservation, management and control of water resources are required. It also provides the framework within which water will be managed at regional or catchment level, in defined WMAs. The national water resource strategy should be formally reviewed from time to time.
Part 2 (section 8-11): It is required from every catchment management agency to progressively develop a catchment management strategy for the water resources within its WMA. Catchment management strategies should be in harmony with the national water resource strategy. During strategy development a CMA must seek co-operation and agreement on water-related matters from stakeholders and interested persons. A catchment management strategy should: be reviewed form time to time; include a water allocation plan; set principles for allocating water to existing and prospective users; take into account all matter relevant to the protection, use, development, conservation, management and control of water resources (content of a catchment management strategy).
Chapter 7
Part 1 (section 77-80): The proposal for and procedure for establishment of CMAs, general powers, duties of and initial functions of a CMA
Part 2 (section 81-83): The appointment of the governing board of a catchment management agency and the CMA structure. The CMA board should be constituted in such a way that interest of the various stakeholders are represented or reflected in a balanced manner. The necessary expertise to operate effectively should also be provided.
Part 3 (section 84-86): The functions and operation of CMAs. A CMA may be financed form Water use charges in its WMA or from any other source.
Part 4 (section 87-90): The Minister are able to disestablish a CMA, make changes to its WMA, or reorganise water managaement institutions in order to achieve more effective water resource management.
Schedule 4: The management and planning of water management institutions apply to CMAs.
