The Acting Chair of the National Water Commission (NWC), Stuart Bunn, has released a position statement detailing the need for Australia to draw on its experience and knowledge to protect and sustain the unique water resources in the country’s north.

 

“Because the diverse hydrological and ecological systems in our north differ so much from other systems, development in northern Australia presents inevitable challenges for water management,” Mr Bunn said.

 

“We now have a historic opportunity to make sure that these largely undeveloped water systems support productive and healthy ecosystems, vibrant communities and rich Indigenous cultures.”

 

The position statement outlines five key principles to support the sustainable management of water resources as the region develops.

 

The key points are:

  • Fully adopt and implement the National Water Initiative (NWI) water reform framework
  • Undertake transparent and inclusive water planning as an essential prerequisite to effective water management
  • Develop an informed and shared understanding of northern Australia’s unique water resources based on robust science and socio-economic information
  • Recognise Indigenous interests in water planning and management
  • Strengthen cross-jurisdictional institutions and forums across the north to support efficient and effective water management and planning

 

Transparent and inclusive water planning that balances development aspirations with environmental and cultural water requirements will be critical to building community confidence in decisions about how we share resources.

 

‘Achieving this will require an informed and shared understanding of northern Australia’s water resources based on robust science and socio-economic information.

 

The statement can be found here