1. Valuing water - critical precious resource. Water must be regarded as a critical precious resource for liveable communities, healthy environments and economic growth.
2. Reliable water and wastewater services - a human right. All Australians have a right to safe, reliable water and wastewater services.33 This is not only essential to meet basic human needs, but critical for strengthening outcomes for health, wellbeing, economic prosperity and sustainable development.
3. Water security - under increasing threat. The security of Australia's water resources is under increasing threat from climate change, weather extremes, population growth, changing user expectations and ageing infrastructure. Securing it demands a consistent and clear national approach.
4. Change agents - efficient behaviours and attitudes. By working together, the water sector, communities, businesses and governments can shift how Australians view and value water and encourage the right behaviours when water is plentiful and when it is scarce.
5. Water cycle management - diversified water supply portfolio. Governments must remove outdated regulations to enable water supply portfolios to include alternative water supplies, which will improve their diversification and reduce risk.