The ALP has pledged to re-establish the National Water Commission and renew the National Water Initiative.

A number of key Federal agencies including Infrastructure Australia and the Productivity Commission have recommended a renewed and modernised National Water Initiative. 

Following two of the worst droughts recorded in recent history, historic rainfall and floods in some parts of Australia, experts say it is time to update Australia’s national water plan.

The Water Services Association of Australia (WSAA), the peak body for water utilities across Australia, has welcomed the announcement. 

“We welcome the announcement to renew a national focus on water management in Australia,” WSAA executive director Adam Lovell says. 

“For almost a decade since the abolishment of the National Water Commission, there has been a vacuum in national leadership in managing Australia’s most precious resource. 

“Transparency and independence are key – it creates confidence for all Australians that decision making and planning is paying attention to the best available science and views of stakeholders.

“WSAA is pleased to see a commitment to renewing the National Water Initiative, a blueprint for managing water across our cities, towns, industry, agricultural, mining and remote Indigenous communities. A healthy community is a healthy economy and water underpins the health of our communities, ecosystems and prosperity of industry,” said Mr Lovell.