National Water Initiative
WWF-Australia continues to have a major impact on water policy throughout the nation, ensuring sufficient water supplies for future generations.
Water drop
© WWF-Canon/Chris Martin BAHR
In 2004, the WWF-convened Wentworth Group of Concerned Scientists advised the Australian Government on best-practice water management for the next 100 years, resulting in the National Water Initiative (NWI), a commitment to saving key river systems and a blueprint for better future management of water for consumer and industry purposes.
The NWI aims to protect and restore fresh water ecosystems, promote effective water conservation and restore sustainable water flows to catchments such as the Murray Darling Basin. The plan included $500 million to improve the flow of water in the Murray River.
In 2005, we also played a key role in the establishment of the National Water Commission, which will oversee implementation of the NWI and the effective expenditure of $2 billion over five years. By accurately measuring, managing and monitoring water delivery and use, it is believed that hundreds, if not thousands, of gigalitres of water can be saved across the country.
Our campaign to ensure these commitments are implemented is ongoing.
