"On 18 January 2010, the Minister for Natural Resources, Mines and Energy and Minister for Trade introduced a moratorium on further take or interference with water in a watercourse, lake or spring and underground water in the Wet Tropics area. The moratorium notice also places a hold on the construction of new works that take underground water and changes to existing works that would increase the amount of underground water taken.  This fact sheet explains how the moratorium notice affects water licence applications and works. It also details some of the activities that are  exempt from the moratorium."

More here: http://www.derm.qld.gov.au/wrp/wet_tropics.html