Government action — Water for the Future
Australia faces major challenges in ensuring sustainable water supply in the face of drying climate and rising demand for water. In response, the Australian Government's framework, Water for the Future, provides national leadership in water reform for all Australians.
Water for the Future is built on four key priorities:
- Taking action on climate change
- Using water wisely
- Securing water supplies
- Healthy rivers and waterways
More:
- Water for the Future fact sheet - an overview
- Water for the Future: Speech to the 4th Annual Australian Water Summit, 29 April 2008
Delivery of Water for the Future
The Australian Government's Water for the Future priorities will be delivered through a ten-year, $12.9 billion investment in strategic programs, improved water management arrangements, and a renewed commitment to deliver a range of water policy reforms in both rural and urban areas.
Policies include:
- New Council of Australian Government reforms
- The Water Act 2007 (legislation for key elements of the framework)
- National Water Initiative (the blueprint for Australia's water reform)
Programs
Programs to accelerate on-ground actions to improve water use, management and adaptation to climate change include:
- Sustainable Rural Water Use and Infrastructure
- Restoring the Balance in the Basin (water entitlement buyback)
- National Urban Water and Desalination Plan
- Water Smart Australia
- Driving Reform in the Basin
- Improving Water Information
- National Water Security Plan for Cities and Towns
- National Rainwater and Greywater Initiative
- Raising National Water Standards
- Living Murray Initiative
- Great Artesian Basin
- Northern Australia Futures
The Water Matters newsletter provides subscribers with up-to-date information about the Australian Government's Water for the Future plan.
See also
- Australian Water Resources 2005
- Council of Australian Governments' Water Reform Framework
- Lake Eyre Basin Agreement
- Living Murray Initiative
- Murray-Darling Basin Authority
- National Water Commission
- National Water Initiative
- Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards (WELS) Scheme
- Water for a Healthy Country Flagship
Key
Links to another web site
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