Australia is facing unprecedented
challenges when it comes to how we
plan and manage our water resources.
The nation’s future prosperity is
inextricably linked to how well
our water resources will meet the
needs of a growing population,
diversified industries, and protection
of the environment. Climate change
and rainfall variability are placing
increasing pressures on every aspect
of the water industry as it grapples
with aging infrastructure and
increasing urbanisation.
Understanding community and industry attitudes,
priorities and perceptions are critical to developing a
comprehensive and robust sustainable water policy for
Australia. The Australian Water Outlook (the Outlook)
aims to encourage more conversations around
water security and raise the importance of water to
all Australians.
The Outlook presents the findings of the Australian
Water Survey which ran online between 18 July and 19
August 2016 and received over 2500 responses.
The Outlook is structured to address the following
issues within the sector:
• Water use and efficiency
• The price of water
• Sources and types of water
• The future of water
• Water security
• Business outlook
The Outlook provides some contextual information but
remains primarily factual and data-driven. The Outlook
presents the results and provides a basis for community informed
policy debate. The results presented here enable
the Australian Water Association and Arup to work with
the water sector and community nationally to ensure the
alignment of interests and government policy to drive a
sustainable water future.
Download the Outlook