First Biennial Assessment of the National Water Initiative
On this page:
- Why was this assessment undertaken?
- What is the objective of the assessment?
- What informed the assessment?
- What did the assessment find?
- Recommendations
- Biennial assessment documents for download
Overview of the first biennial Assessment
Why was this assessment undertaken?
The National Water Commission is required by the National Water Initiative (NWI) to undertake biennial assessments of progress in implementing the NWI. This first biennial assessment covers the period to the end of March 2007 but has been updated to July 2007 where possible.
What is the objective of the assessment?
The biennial assessments have two main objectives:
- to report to COAG on progress with implementation of the NWI, and
- to advise COAG on any actions required to better realise the objectives and outcomes of the NWI.
The focus of this assessment is on reporting and assessing how the significant work being undertaken by all governments to implement the NWI is progressing against the stated objectives and agreed outcomes of the NWI.
Unlike previous National Competition Policy assessments, the biennial assessment is not a report on compliance. Rather it is an assessment of whether actions undertaken by governments to date are likely to lead to the outcomes and objectives of the NWI.
What informed the assessment?
In making its assessment the Commission relied on accredited NWI Implementation Plans, and on the annual report by the Australian government and states and territories (states) to the Natural Resource Management Ministerial Council on progress on the NWI . The assessment drew on relevant investigations and studies which the Commission itself had instigated. It also drew on input from the community provided as part of a wide ranging public submission process. In addition, the Commission conducted direct discussions with all governments which are parties to the NWI. The report was finalised after a wrap-up meeting between Commissioners and government representatives.
What did the assessment find?
Key findings from the first biennial assessment are available on the following pages:
- Overall findings
- Water entitlements and planning and water trading
- Best practice pricing and integrated management of water for the environment
- Water resource accounting, urban water reform and knowledge and capacity building
Recommendations
What is the Commission recommending to COAG in relation to urban water?
Biennial assessment documents for download
The completed first biennial assessment of the National Water Initiative is available for download in the following sections:
- Key findings and recommendations (PDF 1MB)
- Part A—Overview and conclusions summary (PDF 1MB)
- Part B—Assessment of progress on the key elements (PDF 2MB)
- Appendices (PDF 1MB)
Also in PDF format: