❓ A parliamentary question probes the Barnett Government's commitment to the National Water Initiative (NWI) and seeks specific timelines for achieving its requirements across various water management areas. The government affirms its commitment but cites legislative hurdles and WA's unique groundwater reliance.
AnsweredQoN 4942Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
(1) Is the Barnett Liberal-National Government committed to meeting the requirements of the National Water Initiative (NWI)?
(2) If yes to (1), then, for each of the following, what are the major outcomes still to be achieved and the dates by which it is intended that they be completed, in order to meet the requirements of the NWI:
(a) water planning;
(b) understanding surface and groundwater connectivity;
(c) water accounting and water data;
(d) environmental water;
(e) addressing over allocation and overuse;
(f) water entitlements;
(g) water markets and trading;
(h) pricing, demand management and other policy initiatives;
(i) risk assignment;
(j) structural adjustment and water reform; and
(k) urban water?
(2) If yes to (1), then, for each of the following, what are the major outcomes still to be achieved and the dates by which it is intended that they be completed, in order to meet the requirements of the NWI:
(a) water planning;
(b) understanding surface and groundwater connectivity;
(c) water accounting and water data;
(d) environmental water;
(e) addressing over allocation and overuse;
(f) water entitlements;
(g) water markets and trading;
(h) pricing, demand management and other policy initiatives;
(i) risk assignment;
(j) structural adjustment and water reform; and
(k) urban water?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
17 May 2011
Responded by
Minister for Water
Response time
42 days
(1) - (2k) Yes, however, it is important to ensure that the clauses of the National Water Initiative (NWI) are implemented appropriately in a Western Australian context given this State's reliance on groundwater. In addition the NWIs inception in a Murray Darling Basin surface water context should also be recognised.
Biennial assessments by the independent National Water Commission show that Western Australia, through the Department of Water, has amended its practices and policies to implement the majority of the NWI, including areas you have inquired about.
There remain, however, some areas which will require significant legislative amendment before they can be delivered. These include water access entitlement regimes, management of interception and risk assignment implementation. Given this, I cannot give a deadline for the implementation of these changes as any legislation will be subject to Parliamentary consideration.
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Biennial assessments by the independent National Water Commission show that Western Australia, through the Department of Water, has amended its practices and policies to implement the majority of the NWI, including areas you have inquired about.
There remain, however, some areas which will require significant legislative amendment before they can be delivered. These include water access entitlement regimes, management of interception and risk assignment implementation. Given this, I cannot give a deadline for the implementation of these changes as any legislation will be subject to Parliamentary consideration.
Notice: This document is created or edited using unregistered or evaluation copy of rtLib valid for testing or development purposes only. To use it for productive or any other purposes please register it. You may purchase the license on
http://www.rtlib.com
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