NFF recognises that national circumstances underpinning the initial conception and development of the NWI have changed considerably in the past 20 years. This is apparent as new challenges have arisen, including but not limited to increasing urban water-use and demand, increasing population growth, changing climatic conditions (declining long-term reported rainfall trends, particularly during the critical Summer growing period), and increasing pressure for First Nations involvement in water management and decision-making. It is important to distinguish, however, that a renewed NWI must not infringe upon the existing sound water management principles that uphold the Agreement.
Read the full submission here.
Akshata Giri