National Water Commission flows into life
08 Dec 2004
WWF-Australia has welcomed the passing of the National Water Commission Bill in the Senate today.
"The new National Water Commission is essential for an effective roll out of the National Water Initiative (NWI) and we call on the States and Territories to nominate their expert commissioners as soon as possible," said Dr Helen Foard, Fresh Water Manager at WWF-Australia.
The first tasks of the National Water Commission will be to undertake a baseline assessment of the nation's water resources and governance arrangements and to assist in the development of a comprehensive set of performance indicators for the NWI.
"Not adequately understanding our water resources - where the water is, how much there is and who has got it - has been and remains a key threat to Australia's water security.
"The National Water Commission is crucial in addressing these questions," Dr Foard said.
"The National Water Commission will help pave the way for water accounting and better application of good science to underpin water planning, management and water trading.
"These measures are essential for environmental water management and will provide the framework needed to restore over-allocated systems and to protect systems of high conservation values.
"We must keep the momentum alive for a National Water Initiative by ensuring the National Water Commission is established as soon as possible.
"All Australians must have regular access to accurate information about this precious resource," Dr Foard said.
"WWF looks forward to regular reporting of progress on the NWI from the National Water Commission and the Natural Resource Management Ministerial Council.
"If it is done right, the National Water Initiative can ensure a secure water future for all Australians and the environment," said Dr Foard.
For further information:
Contact- Dr Helen Foard, 0418 583 026or WWF-Australia Press Office, Jacqueline McArthur Communications Officer 02 9281 5515 or Mobile 0408626780, email jmcarthur@wwf.org.au
or Virginia Dew (02) 8202 1290, email vdew@wwf.org.au
