WHAT INNOVATION MEANS TO WATER RESOURCES

WHAT INNOVATION MEANS TO WATER RESOURCES 

 

We live on the driest inhabited continent in the world, rainfall is extremely variable and droughts are a common occurrence. Add to this Australia's environmental responsibilities and improving the management of our water resources becomes one of the greatest conservation challenges that we face. This means that finding innovative solutions to managing water resources is probably one of, if not the most, pressing issue facing every one of us, at an individual and an organisational or governmental level.

Many of our greatest challenges in water management are unique to Australia. For example knowing, and managing for, the ecological needs for Australian rivers requires unique Australian science. Overseas scientists are unlikely to tackle these issues for us. Unique-to-Australia problems will therefore require unique-to-Australia science and innovation. Fortunately, the Australian water sector is rich in research and innovation. In my time as chair of the commission I have been struck by the creativity and preparedness to experiment of the entire Australian water sector.

As with most challenges, water reform requires constructive collaboration at all levels of government and across the community. The National Water Commission is responsible for helping to drive national water reform and advises the Prime Minister and State and Territory governments on water issues.

The Commission is also responsible for implementing two programs of the Australian Government Water Fund - the Water Smart Australia and Raising National Water Standards programs. The fund is a $2 billion program to invest in water infrastructure, improved water management, and better practices in the stewardship of Australia's scarce water resources. It will support innovative water projects that will improve Australia's water efficiency and environmental outcomes.

Ken Matthews, chairman and chief executive officer,
National Water Commission

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