Water
The efficient management of water resources is a significant issue for local government. Local governments provide domestic water supplies in many areas, ensure that local drainage networks are adequate, minimise the negative impacts of stormwater through planning and management practices and ensure household waste water is appropriately treated. Councils must also ensure, through planning and development, that the municipality has adequate flood protection.
As community leaders, many councils lead the way in water conservation. Many councils assist their community during drought through provision of counselling, water tanks and carting of water.
- National Water Initiative
- On 25 June 2004, COAG (Council of Australian Governments) approved the National Water Initiative. The agreement was endorsed by all states except Western Australia and Tasmania and will result in $500m being allocated to the Murray-Darling river system. It will also see 500GL of water released for environmental flows.
- Great Artesian Basin
- Local Government is represented on a number of state groups who manage the Great Artesian Basin (GAB). In addition, ALGA are represented on the Great Artesian Basin Consultative Committee (GABCC). This group provides advice to the Federal Government on management of the GAB, ensuring that activities across the states are compatible and consistent.
- Murray Darling Basin
- The Murray Darling Basin Commission (MDBC) assists in the management of the Murray Darling Basin and advises the Ministerial Council in regards to water, land and environmental resources in the Basin. Local government is represented on the Community Advisory Committee, ensuring that local government plays a role in the management of the natural resource base in the Basin.
- ICLEI Water Campaign
- The ICLEI Water Campaign™ is a voluntary capacity building program run by the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI) for local governments. The program aims to assist local governments to manage their water resources by reducing use and improving quality.
Related links
- Groundwater management handbook for local government
- For those interested, the Sydney Coastal Councils Group have released final draft Groundwater management handbook for local government. The handbook is to provide information, education and a guide for State and local governments, industry and the broader community about the sustainable management of groundwater. Feedback is being sought on the draft handbook prior to it being launched in July 2005.
- Best practice guidelines for urban irrigation
- Best practice guidelines for urban irrigation and home garden irrigation, funded by the Irrigation Association of Australia and Water Services Australia.
