The development of the new Environmental Planning Act, integrating all spatial, environmental and water legislations at the national level, could provide an opportunity to put renewed emphasis on minimising risks to freshwater systems and ensuring a better balance among various water policy objectives. However, the way the act is currently formulated allows for significant flexibility to decide how' objectives will be balanced. Hence, in the development of specific plans, there will remain significant discretion to prioritise economic development and short-term cost reductions, at times at the expense of long-term benefits to the environment.