Australia's water infrastructure has performed well. It delivers reliable and affordable services while maintaining high levels of liveability in cities and towns. This is an achievement in a country characterised by droughts and floods.
However, recent extreme events have tested its capacity to continue delivering high levels of service and meet the needs of all Australians into the future. During 2019 and 2020, enormous bushfires raged through parts of the country that were already struggling with drought, and there were record high temperatures. Then the global COVID-19 pandemic hit Australia, and its effects are still ongoing.
Changing climate and increasing water scarcity will define the future of the water sector. The increasing frequency and intensity of extreme events will also strain water infrastructure networks.
With these challenges taking place against a backdrop of growing population and ageing assets, there is a pressing need for the industry to implement a new approach.
Australians will have to move from an expectation that water is always available in all circumstances to an understanding that this country needs a more resilient network using a broader set of potential water sources.
This fundamental change will require community support.
A refreshed water sector will see:
• a coordinated focus on managing water security risks
• greater community involvement in how water is managed and valued
• resilient and liveable cities
• equitable access to water
• a balanced vision for water that considers productive, urban, cultural, environmental and other needs, including emerging industries.
" Australians will have to move from an expectation that water is always available in all circumstances to an understanding that this country needs a more resilient network using a broader set of potential water sources. "