Water wars

As the world’s driest inhabited continent, Australia has frequently experienced issues with water. Often, it’s extremes that are involved, whether floods or, most commonly, a state of drought. Between 2001 and 2009, what’s known as the Millennium Drought particularly affected the south-eastern quarter of Australia. Today, parts of western Queensland are currently suffering their most severe drought in decades.

Australia’s management of water involves balancing competing demands from nature, farming and both industrial and domestic use. While regulation of water largely occurs at state level, an overarching commonwealth approach is also needed. The National Water Initiative, launched in 2004, is a reform agenda focused on organisational improvements. Water was formerly administered by the National Water Commission, a body that was controversially abolished in 2015 under the Abbott Government, with its functions transferred elsewhere.

Water and the environment

Sustainable catchment management involves minimising the quantity of pollutants flowing into drainage areas. This means tackling pollution from domestic, industrial and especially agricultural sources. Riverside vegetation is worth preserving where possible. The goals are minimal soil erosion and run-off, low turbidity (suspended particle levels) and a high level of dissolved oxygen.

These water-quality issues are an important consideration for the Great Barrier