The Commonwealth has released a Discussion Paper on potential principles in a renewed National Water Agreement (NWA).
WSAA members and all interested stakeholders are encouraged to participate and raise key feedback. To do so, complete this survey by Thursday 12 September (there is an option to add a written response; WSAA will provide a sectoral submission). The Commonwealth Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water (DCCEEW) are particularly seeking views on climate change (Objective 6 and throughout); urban water (Objective 1 and throughout); and science knowledge and partnerships (Objective 4 and throughout). DCCEEW is running a public webinar at 3.30pm AEST on Wednesday 21 August which explains the consultation process, how to have your say, what’s been heard to date – you can register here.
The Principles will sit underneath the Objectives and Outcomes for the NWA, which were circulated during earlier consultation rounds. Once governments sign on to the NWA, they are to consider these Principles when developing and delivering Action Plans to achieve the Objectives and Outcomes in their jurisdiction.
WSAA has maintained an ongoing dialogue with the DCCEEW teams working on the NWA, and DCCEEW’s National Water Strategy section led an in-person review session at our recent WSAA Members meeting in Hobart.
WSAA has also provided submissions in May 2023 and May 2024. We will submit a response reflecting our observations that:
- The Principles broadly reflect the Objectives and Outcomes
- The principles around First Nations involvement, ownership, recognition and respect are well-elaborated
- We welcome the mention of skills and training. While minimal, we believe that this provides a good foundation for the Action Plans ahead:
Water industry skills and training
- Water service providers have the appropriate skills and capabilities to ensure safe and reliable water and wastewater services.
- Wherever possible, water industry training and qualifications are recognised across states and territories.
- Where communities are responsible for managing their own urban water supply systems, they are empowered through appropriate capacity building and training so they can operate and maintain the necessary infrastructure.
- The principle requiring consideration of all options including climate resilient sources, based on a transparent assessment of all costs and benefits, including identifying and addressing barriers to use is a good start, although we would like to see more concrete principles around the need for proactive education and engagement throughout the Principles and the Objectives and Outcomes.
- It is good to see some focus on water efficiency at household and business level, although we believe it should also cover Smart Approved Water Mark, as the 2004 National Water Initiative did. We hope for more concrete coverage of this in the final Principles and the Action Plans:
Water use efficiency (demand management)
- The promotion and conduct of water demand management practices to conserve water supply and quality and to adapt to any future water supply vulnerability.
- Continued commitment to the objectives of the Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards (WELS) Act 2005 and nationally consistent WELS legislation.
15 Aug 2024
