Strategic Approaches to Water Management

A strategic approach to water management is critical to ensure that water is allocated equitably, efficiently and in an environmentally sustainable manner.

Australia is very familiar with the impacts of water scarcity and drought, which, globally, are now high on the agenda of many government and business leaders. The Millennium Drought in Australia’s Murray-Darling Basin contributed to record low water availability across many key agricultural regions. The existence of policy and management mechanisms for the reallocation of available water to higher-value uses meant that the economic losses associated with the drought were not as severe as they otherwise may have been. Australia is able to share its experience of strategic water management and use in the face of severe water scarcity with other countries facing similar futures.

Do you have these challenges?

Managing competing uses for increasingly scarce water resources
Increasing the diversity of water supply and water treatment options

Prioritising water uses and users
Gaps in your water laws and policies
Sectors, government ministries or departments not aligned in their water-related mandates, roles and responsibilities

Getting political buy-in and/or community support for your decisions
Being more inclusive in your decision-making – gender equality and social inclusion