Working with partners
Effective stakeholder engagement and informed advocacy are critical in advancing water reform. To progress its reform objectives and deliver its programs effectively, the Commission collaborates extensively with federal, state and territory government agencies; irrigation, environmental, Indigenous and industry stakeholders; and science and research partners.
The Commission works collaboratively with federal, state and territory government agencies together with other water sector partners to advance crucial reform objectives.
Our stakeholders include:
- the Australian Government as our only investor
- state and territory governments and agencies
- Australian Government departments and agencies
- the water sector - agencies, utilities, authorities, industry peak bodies, local government, companies and consultants
- local, regional and national environment and conservation groups
- the science and research sector.
Engaging with stakeholders
The Commission values its stakeholders as partners in the reform process, and actively seeks their views to inform its decisions, scrutinise its actions, and communicate its objectives. At the same time, the Commission regularly communicates its outputs and deliverables to stakeholders to encourage the take-up of practical tools and new knowledge, and to further its reform objectives.
The Commission has established formal channels for stakeholder engagement.
Stakeholder Reference Group - This group, which comprises 15 organisations representing environmental, irrigation, indigenous and industry interests, meets twice yearly.
Stakeholder Reference Group members include the Australian Bankers' Association, Australian Conservation Foundation, Australian Local Government Association, A3P (Australian Plantation Products and Paper Industry Council), Australian Water Association, Business Council of Australia, Irrigation Australia Ltd, Minerals Council of Australia, National Farmers' Federation, First Peoples' Water Engagement Council, National Irrigators' Council, Water Services Association of Australia, Waterfind and World Wildlife Fund.
Stakeholder Forums - Our annual Stakeholder Forum brings together up to 100 key water stakeholders.
Specialist stakeholder input and technical advice is provided through Commission committees such as the Groundwater Technical Advisory Group and the First Peoples' Water Engagement Council.
The Commission also communicates with clients, partners and stakeholders through a range of project steering committees and consultative processes, participation in water sector and industry events, and its program of meetings and site visits outside Canberra.
Public consultation - The Commission conducts public consultation and invites submissions when appropriate, for example the recent call for public submissions to inform the 2011 Biennial Assessment, which is due to be released in mid-2011. General comments can be submitted to enquiries@nwc.gov.au