Water is critical to the economy, our environment and the wellbeing of all Australians.
Our national water policy has served us well, but it is 17 years old. According to a Productivity Commission report released today, it has reached its use-by date and it will now struggle in the face of our future challenges of increased population, increased community demands and the likely effects of climate change.
Commissioner Dr Jane Doolan said, “It is time for our Governments to once again lead the way on developing a new national water policy and agree a pathway to meet these challenges.”
“We can expect an estimated additional 11 million people living in capital cities by 2050, and climate change is likely to mean significant reductions in water availability for most of the country and an increase in the frequency and severity of droughts and floods across the nation.”