Monitoring key to optimal environmental water management
During a keynote speech to Ozwater 2012, Commission CEO James Cameron outlined future water challenges and opportunities for Australia.
He also launched two Commission reports that present a comprehensive roadmap of Australia's current environmental water management arrangements. These reports call for the improved monitoring of water plans to provide confidence that they are effective in meeting their environmental objectives.
Media release | James Cameron’s speech to Ozwater 2012 | Australian environmental water management report 2012
The challenge of sustainable water development in Australia’s north
Acting Commission Chair Stuart Bunn has released a position statement calling for Australia to draw on its experience and knowledge to protect and sustain the unique water resources in our north.
He said that Australia now has a historic opportunity to make sure that these largely undeveloped water systems support productive and healthy ecosystems, vibrant communities and rich Indigenous cultures.
The position statement outlines five principles to support the sustainable management of water resources as this important region develops.
Water trade proving a valuable tool for Basin communities
National Water Commissioner Laurie Arthur has said that water markets have helped regional communities in the southern Murray–Darling Basin to remain productive, even during drought.
The Impacts of water trading in the southern Murray–Darling Basin between 2006-07 and 2010-11 report confirms that Australia’s water markets have allowed water to be reallocated to where the need is greatest.
Launching the report, Mr Arthur said, ‘Water trade is playing a major role in achieving the National Water Initiative (NWI) objective of maximising the economic, social and environmental values of scarce water resources.’
This is the second report produced by the Commission to fulfil its NWI obligation to monitor the impacts of interstate trade in the southern MDB.
Media release | Impacts of water trading in the southern Murray–Darling Basin between 2006-07 and 2010-11 report