Responses to the 2011 assessment
Stakeholder statements
Minerals Council of Australia (MCA) media release - 14 September 2011 - extract below
National Water Initiative 2011 Assessment
The Minerals Council of Australia welcomes the Federal Government's ongoing commitment to continuing the development of market based mechanisms for secure, sustainable and efficient water access as outlined in today's National Water Initiative 2011 Assessment.
The MCA supports the call from the NWC for COAG leadership to reinvigorate the water reform agenda and to deliver on the objectives of the NWI.
Only through a coordinated approach between governments at all levels involving industry, the scientific community and Indigenous leaders can we ensure the effective use and management of Australia's water resources both now and into the future.
Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF) media release - 14 September 2011 - extract below
Over-use of our rivers is the unfinished business of water reform
The Australian Conservation Foundation welcomed the NWC's two-yearly assessment of progress on the National Water Initiative, released today.
"The National Water Commission has sent a clear message to decision makers at state and federal levels that the underlying problem of water reform in Australia - over-extraction - remains a problems and needs to be addressed."
"ACF calls for the next Council of Australian Governments meeting to deal with the unfinished business highlighted by the Commission."
National Irrigators' Council (NIC) media release - 14 September 2011 - extract below
Balanced water reform needs another push
The National Irrigators' Council has welcomed the National Water Commission's progress report on water reform in Australia, agreeing that a new push is required to continue to implement reforms first agreed seven years ago.
"We agree with the NWC that there really needs to be a suite of incentives for governments if some of these reforms are to be delivered."
National Farmers' Federation (NFF) media release - 15 September 2011 - extract below
COAG: the missing piece of the water reform puzzle
The National Farmers' Federation (NFF) has welcomed the findings of the National Water Commission's 2011 assessment of Australian water reform, and is calling on the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) to respond to these recommendations - unlike the silence from the 2009 biennial assessment.
"Without a commitment from COAG, the Commission's report will simply fall by the wayside with no progress on national water reform - an outcome that is simply not acceptable for our farmers, irrigators, towns or communities."
Australian Water Association (AWA) media release - 15 September 2011 - extract below
Water reform must not be yesterday's news
The Australian Water Association (AWA) advocates for the continuation of the national water agenda as
raised by the National Water Commission and adds its voice to the call for leadership from governments
across the continent.
"This report comes at a crucial time. AWA has been increasingly concerned about the risk of
complacency in water matters, particularly following the recent rainfall in parts of the nation."
Other media statements
Western Australian Farmers Federation (Inc.) (WAFarmers) media release - 16 September 2011
Environment and Water Ministers Communique - 16 September 2011
Selected media coverage
Radio National - Breakfast - 14 September 2011
ABC Rural - 14 September 2011
ABC Rural - Bush Telegraph - 15 September 2011