The National Water Initiative (NWI), a 20-year-old policy framework, is undergoing a significant overhaul to address climate change and enhance the participation of First Nations peoples in water management. The updated NWI aims to strengthen the connection between climate science and water planning, ensuring that water resources are managed efficiently in the face of climate challenges.
The Productivity Commission's 2021 review of the NWI highlighted its outdatedness and inability to meet future population and climate challenges. It also criticized the NWI's failure to consider the rights and aspirations of First Nations peoples in water management.
The updated NWI will prioritize the needs and aspirations of First Nations communities, ensuring their integral role in water planning. It will also address the ongoing lack of access to clean drinking water in remote communities and promote policies that enhance public green spaces while minimizing water waste.
The government's plan for a renewed NWI acknowledges the growing mistrust in government water management, particularly in Murray-Darling Basin communities. It commits to effective engagement, clarity, and transparency in policy implementation. Public consultation on the proposed agreement is open until May.
The existing NWI has implemented policies that set caps on water extraction and established water markets. However, it has faced challenges due to population growth and climate change. The updated NWI aims to address these challenges and ensure that Australia's water resources are managed sustainably for the future.