Speculation today that the Federal Government may abolish the National Water Commission (NWC) will have a critical impact on Australia’s future productivity and prosperity.
Water Services Association of Australia (WSAA) Executive Director Adam Lovell said any such decision would be short sighted.
“I urge the Government to retain key NWC functions, particularly in industry reform leadership and national performance reporting,” he said.
“The NWC has achieved a great deal in providing national leadership and administering the National Water Initiative (NWI), Australia’s blueprint for water reform.”
Mr Lovell said the NWI was established by the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) to achieve a more cohesive national approach to the way Australia manages, measures, plans for, prices and trades water.
“Urban water management is critical to Australia’s cities and towns,” he said. “We are one of the most urbanised countries in the world. Water is essential to national productivity as 1% of Australia’s land mass produces 85% of our GDP.
“NWI needs renewed commitment and updating for urban water, particularly around stormwater and waterway health.
This will ensure our water resources meet the challenges of a growing population and the impacts of climate change.”
Mr Lovell said the NWC’s annual National Performance Reports provided transparent public reporting on the performance of urban utilities and rural water providers.
“These reports provide important benchmarks in accessing how efficiently and costeffectively the industry services government and consumers,” he said.
WSAA is the peak body that represents the urban water utilities in Australia.
The NWC provides independent assurance of governments' progress on water reform. It also promotes the objectives and outcomes of the National Water Initiative (NWI), an agreement signed by all governments in Australia.
Media:
Sandi Kolbe, 0427 224 694.
21 Apr 2014
