National Issues

National Water Initiative

The National Water Commission is an independent statutory body whose role is to drive the national water reform agenda. Established under the National Water Commission Act 2004, the Commission provides advice to the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) and the Australian Government on national water issues. The Commission also assists in the administration of the Australian Government Water Fund.

National Water Commission

The ACT is signatory to the National Water Initiative (NWI) Agreement, which was signed by the Commonwealth, States and Territories at the 25 June 2004 meeting of the Council of Australian Governments (COAG). The NWI is a comprehensive strategy to improve water management across the country. It encompasses a wide range of water management issues and encourages the adoption of best-practice approaches to the management of water in Australia.

The ACT is committed to implementing the National Water Initiative. The ACT Government's Think water, act water strategy, released in April 2004, encompasses and supports the objectives of the NWI.

Australian Water Fund

On 13 September 2004, the Prime Minister announced a major commitment of $2 billion over five years to the Australian Water Fund.

The Australian Water Fund (AWF) is a major investment in water infrastructure, improved knowledge and water management, and better practices in the stewardship of Australia's scarce water resources. Investment under the Australian Water Fund will be made on the basis that it is consistent with, and helps to achieve, the objectives, outcomes and actions of the NWI. The Fund is made up of three programmes:

• Water Smart Australia
• Raising National Water Standards, and
• Australian Water Fund Communities.

The ACT Government is accessing the Australian Water Fund for the implementation of the Canberra Integrated Urban Waterways project.  This project will involve the construction of wetland ponds for storage and harvesting of storm water for uses, such as irrigation. For more information contact 6207 2141.