MANAGEMENT
OF ACID SULPHATE SOILSIN
NEW SOUTH WALES — POLICY, ORGANISATION,
AND REGULATION
MITCH TULAU
ABSTRACT: Runoff from acid sulphate soils
(ASS) is a key issue affecting water quality in estuarine areas
of NSW. This paper briefly outlines the main guiding policies and
regulatory tools available for ASS management and examines aspects
of their administration, with references to the case law. Major
problems in addressing the issue by regulatory means have included
the lack of effective planning instruments, uncertainty concerning
the roles and obligations of agencies and statutory authorities,
uncertainty concerning the appropriateness and effectiveness of
the use of regulatory powers relating to ASS management, and financial
arrangement in relation to prosecution.
