Infrastructure WA

48. Modernise legislative, regulatory and planning frameworks for water resources and water services by:

1. prioritising the development and introduction to Parliament of consolidated and modernised water resources management legislation that:
   • supports contemporary, best-practice and responsible water resource management
   • improves the definition and security of water entitlements
   • facilitates a balanced approach to water trading (including addressing barriers in state agreements)
   • responds to evolving conditions such as climate change
   • considers the cultural and spiritual value of water to Aboriginal people when making allocation or other resource decisions.
2. developing, publishing and implementing a 20-year state water strategy, in collaboration with all relevant stakeholders, including Aboriginal groups, that:
   • considers economic, social and environmental factors, including population growth, industry needs (such as growing a hydrogen industry) and key shocks and stresses, including climate change
   • defines and identifies strategic water resources
   • sets objectives and measurable targets to achieve long-term water security for the state, considering circular economy principles and multi-source water planning
   • identifies appropriately scaled solutions (local, decentralised or large scheme) that deliver optimised outcomes 
   • articulates a planning and policy framework, identifying the roles of all levels of government, the water services sector and the private sector to support state development objectives
   • is reviewed and refreshed on a 5-year cycle
3. developing, publishing and implementing 10+ year regional water plans (including for Perth and Peel) in collaboration with all relevant stakeholders, including Aboriginal groups, that:
   • align with the state water strategy, regional land use plans and other relevant policies
   • respond to the economic, social and environmental drivers and issues of each region 
   • consider outcomes of the strategic review of water and land-use values (see Recommendation 53)
   • are based on up-to-date science and evidence
   • address water allocation and supply, and set out infrastructure and investment requirements
   • are prioritised according to level of risk and need and are refreshed on a 5-year cycle
4. including provisions in planning and regulatory frameworks that enable investments in appropriately scaled, locally integrated alternative water supplies and wastewater systems 
5. consistent with Recommendation 26 in the Planning and coordination chapter, clearly articulate water resource needs, drainage and infrastructure requirements in land-use and infrastructure servicing plans. Planning should ensure that:
   • there is early consideration of the locational availability of water resources and servicing options so that the real capital and operational costs to government are known before making planning decisions
   • opportunities to collaborate with the energy sector to plan, access and/or generate renewable energy solutions are identified
   • opportunities to use integrated water cycle planning approaches at a community level are adopted to match demand with the most appropriate source of water that is available. 

WA Government response

The WA Government responded to Foundation for a stronger tomorrow in February 2023. Recommendation 48 (a,d) is fully supported; (b,c,e) is partially supported. For further information please refer to the response document.