Annual Report highlights water reform progress

The National Water Commission has released its 2009-10 Annual Report. Acting CEO of the National Water Commission, James Cameron said, “This report outlines the Commissions contributions to advancing national water reform in 2009-10.

“The most significant activity was the delivery to the Prime Minister and the Council of Australia Governments (COAG) of the most comprehensive assessment to date on the progress of national water reform - our 2009 biennial assessment.” Drawing on the findings in this independent report, Commissioners called for urgent action to accelerate the pace of reform and resolve the overallocation of water resources.

At the same time, the Commission highlighted the scale of adjustment pressures ahead for water-dependent industries, communities and individuals, emphasising the importance of giving them the clarity and confidence they need for long-term planning in a world affected by climate change. The 2009-10 annual report highlights the Commission’s continued reform leadership through its major reports on issues such as water industry performance, water markets and the impacts of water trading, as well as through the release of position statements on sustainable levels of extraction, water interception, and water and mining.

The report also recounts the Commission’s contributions to improved water management around Australia through a range of projects administered under the Australian Government’s $250 million Raising National Water Standards Program. Cameron said, “In presenting this annual report, I would like to pay tribute to the Commission’s long-serving Chair and CEO, Mr Ken Matthews, who retired in October 2010.”

“Fittingly, this year’s report features a special section that reflects on the Commission’s first five years of operation.”

The National Water Commission’s 2009-10 Annual Report is available on the Commission’s website: www.nwc.gov.au.