National Water Initiative
Background
A wide range of management reforms for better use of water resources has already been completed by the NT and independently assessed by the National Competition Council and the National Water Commission.
The National Water Initiative (pdf 348Kb) - commonly referred to as the NWI - has now been endorsed by the Council of Australian Governments to drive more reforms for better water management and use to the year 2011.
The National Water Commission is an independent statutory body that advises COAG and the Australian Government on national water issues, steers the national water reform agenda and accredits NWI implementation plans.
In consultation with the National Water Commission, the NT has now developed its own Implementation Plan which details the work to be undertaken in the Territory over the next 5 years.
The Commission is satisfied that this Plan is ready for accreditation apart from the requirement that it be open to public scrutiny throughout its lifetime.
Our success in achieving the NWI will depend in large part on public understanding and support for the work that is undertaken through our Implementation Plan and this web page is intended to provide access for continuing public feedback.
The Plan covers the following key water reform elements:
- interpretation
- water access entitlements & planning framework
- water markets and trading
- best practice water pricing
- integrated water management for environmental & other public benefit outcomes
- water resource accounting
- urban water reform
- knowledge & capacity building
- community partnerships & adjustment.
