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Senate inquiry into stormwater resource in Australia

Clearwater

On March 16 the Senator Nick Xenophon called for an inquiry into stormwater across Australia. In coming months the Senate Environment and Communications References Committee will examine stormwater management across Australia. This presents an exciting step forward for the stormwater industry. Submissions can now be viewed online.

Terms of reference details

The following matters have been referred to the Senate Environment and Communications References Committee for inquiry and report by 25 June 2015:

  1. The quantum of stormwater resource in Australia and impact and potential of optimal management practices in areas of flooding, environmental impacts, waterway management and water resource planning;
  2. The role of scientific advances in improving stormwater management outcomes and integrating these into policy at all levels of government to unlock the full suite of economic benefits;
  3. The role of stormwater as a positive contributor to resilient and desirable communities into the future, including ‘public good’ and productivity outcomes;
  4. Model frameworks to develop economic and policy incentives for stormwater management;
  5. Model land use planning and building controls to maximise benefits and minimise impacts in both new and legacy situations;
  6. Funding models and incentives to support strategic planning and investment in desirable stormwater management, including local prioritisation;
  7. Asset management and operations to encourage efficient investments and longevity of benefit;
  8. The role of innovation in supporting desirable outcomes and transparent decision making, including access to information and novel technologies for planning, design and implementation; and
  9. Any related matters.

Quick links and more information

View NIck Xenophon website blog

 Learn more about the Inquiry (via Parliament Australia website)