The Hon Dr Mike Kelly AM MP
Parliamentary Secretary for Water
Urban water reform report released
Media release
4 August 2009
MK 8/2009
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A new report by Global Access Partners Urban Water Forum would make a significant contribution to the debate over how best to secure urban water supplies, Parliamentary Secretary for Water, the Hon Dr Mike Kelly, said today.
Dr Kelly released the report — Urban Water: A vision for national progress — at Parliament House in Canberra.
“The report looks at the particular challenges for urban water management, highlighted by the drought, in achieving urban water supply investment.
“While we are all aware of the many issues facing irrigation communities, Australia's urban communities also face key water challenges. Climate change means lower and more variable rainfall in many of our cities.
“In the years ahead, Australians will need to work together to adapt to a probable future with less rainfall in large parts of the country. Reports such as this one provide a valuable contribution to policy discussion and urban water reform.”
The report examines the current institutional arrangements for the urban water sector and identifies a vision for the future. It suggests that by establishing a more competitive urban water market, industries and communities will be better able to ensure the sustainable supply of water to our cities.
The Australian Government is addressing these challenges through Water for the Future, its 10-year $12.9 billion plan to secure our water supplies, take action on climate change, use water wisely, and support healthy rivers.
Water for the Future includes a range of programs designed to support urban water security, including the $1 billion Urban Water and Desalination Plan, the $250 million National Water Security Plan for Cities and Towns, and the $250 million National Rainwater and Greywater Initiative.
Global Access Partners is a business network that initiates high level discussions on a range of issues to facilitate knowledge sharing and input to Government policy.
For more information on Water for the Future, visit www.environment.gov.au/water
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