Key messages

•  As with many other infrastructure classes, water management is the responsibility of states and territories. The Australian Government has a role in continuing the water reform journey, ensuring best practice water resource management.

•  Water security is a top priority for the water sector. However, there is no definition of what a water-secure nation looks like and no consistent approach to measuring water security.

•  A national water security framework will provide a single, authoritative definition of what water security is and how to assess Australia's position.

•  The national water security framework should form the basis of national, regional, state and territory infrastructure planning and growth strategies.

•  Water shortages due to the Millennium Drought sparked a major increase in water efficiency in households, businesses and water utilities. However, water restrictions can have adverse impacts. Water-efficient practices have also tapered off as water security risks ease.7

•  To adapt to an unpredictable future, Australia must now enter a new phase of water efficiency driven by water-literate communities.

•  More than 80% of Australia's urban water supply is from surface water, which is highly dependent on rainfall.8 With climate change likely to shift rainfall patterns, relying so heavily on water sources that depend on climate no longer makes sense.

•  Australia cannot afford to limit access to alternative sources that will allow a diversified water supply portfolio. Governments must remove outdated barriers that prevent the use of all water supply options.

•  Water planning that considers the whole of the water cycle and embeds a fit-for-purpose approach will deliver increased value to communities, including public heath, environmental health and water security outcomes.

•  To keep customers' bills affordable, state and territory governments should ensure water providers can access best practice asset management practices and processes so they can realise all the benefits.

•  The water sector needs to get better at collaborating and sharing asset management information and resources between metropolitan and regional areas and across states and territories.