Invitation to Attend Stormwater 2009

The Australian Government recognised the immense challenge in tackling Australia's water scarcity and the impact of climate change. In facing this challenge, the Prime Minister, the Hon Kevin Rudd MP, has shown leadership in accelerating the water reform process by placing it firmly on the agenda of the Council of Australian Government (COAG).

Diversifying supply options and investing in new water sources will increase water supply security and reduce the need for prolonged water restrictions in our cities. All water supply options should be examined to establish the most cost effective options that comply with health and water quality requirements. I am aware of the significant environmental and (potentially) flood-mitigation benefits of stormwater harvesting. Hence, finding opportunities to collect and use stormwater is a worthwhile goal, and has become increasingly important in Australia.

Stormwater may arrive very suddenly and in variable quantities, from a trickle to a flood. It is a challenge to find sufficient urban space to build reservoirs (which may be empty for most of the time), to install high volume pumps and infrastructure, and to build on-demand water treatment plants to manage stormwater for beneficial use.

The Government supports initiatives that will drive investment in diverse water supply options and encourage industry and the community to save and use water more efficiently. Examples in our policy platform include support for:

A National Urban Water and Desalination Plan to help secure the water supplies of Australia's major cities through investment in desalination, water recycling and major stormwater capture projects;

A National Water Security Plan for Towns and Cities to secure water supplies by funding practical projects that save water, including investment in modern, more efficient water infrastructure and refurbishment of older pipes and water systems;

Details of these programs are being developed. I encourage you to monitor my department's website for details.

My department has also funded projects under the former Urban Stormwater Initiative and the National Water Commission is funding stormwater reuse projects through the Australia Government Water Fund, including providing $2,350,000 for the Metropolitan Adelaide Stormwater Reuse Project.

For further information visit:

http://www.environment.gov.au/coasts/pollution/usi/index.html http://www.nwc.gov.au/agwf/wsa/projects_by_objective.cfm

The Australian Guidelines for Water Recycling: Managing Health and Environmental Risks Volume 2B - Stormwater Reuse is being prepared under the National Water Quality Management Strategy for release in 2008. This document should facilitate more recycling of stormwater, while protecting public health and the environment.

The Australian Government anticipates a full and challenging year ahead. This includes our commitment to ensure progress on a number of key issues within my portfolio, including those affecting the Stormwater Industry.

I take this opportunity to welcome Delegates to the 2009 Joint Annual Conference of the New South Wales and Victorian Stormwater Industry Associations, and wish you all the best in your important work.

The Hon Penny Wong MP
Minister for Climate Change and Water