We are potentially looking at the most significant policy transformation in both the water sector and research landscape for decades.  We need to ensure that research in the water sector and its associated pathways and funding mechanisms are recognised in these policy documents to assure good research and science is secured for decision-making and long-term planning for a sustainable water sector.

Join us in a members-only event to explore and refine key messages and examples for the upcoming Water Act Review.

In March this year the federal Minister for the Environment and Water Senator the Hon Murray Watt announced the review of the Water Act 2007 to be undertaken in 2026. See here the Water Act introductory paper. This announcement was in addition to the already in progress Productivity Commission’s inquiry regarding progress of the National Water Initiative, and the Murray-Darling Basin Authority’s 2026 Review of the Basin Plan.

The new Strategy 2030 of Water Research Australia positions our organisation and its members to take a stronger leadership position on the research and capability building (Initiative 1) and on the importance and criticality of research for the water sector (Initiative 2). Participation in these review processes is one way to deliver these initiatives, and Water Research Australia is actively engaging in these processes on behalf of our members and the sector to ensure that:

• The water industry is recognised as a key national research sector
• Water research is prioritised within grants, funding schemes, and research pathways
• Policy reviews and updates support and enable ongoing investment in water sector R&D

To support theses submissions, Water Research Australia commissioned GHD to undertake a review of key water-related policy instruments in Australia. The GHD report found and reviewed 22 relevant policy instruments and produced a gap analysis and key recommendations relating to the role of research in supporting science and evidence-based decision making for the water sector. Overall, the analysis found a systemic absence of clear durable arrangements that:

• support stewarding the national water science base;
• secure research and funding to support the science for decision making;
• and enable translation of research and innovation into consistent policy, planning and regulatory practice.

Leveraging the GHD report, Water Research Australia have made two submissions on behalf of its members and are planning a third.

The submission to the Productivity Commission can be viewed here. The PC process is set to produce an interim update setting out its preliminary findings with the opportunity for further feedback in June-July 2026, before finalising its report to government in September 2026.

The Water Research Australia submission to the Basin Plan Review can be viewed here. The MDBA plan to release a ‘what we heard’ report in the coming months before finalising and publishing its review report late in 2026.

The Water Act Review (2007) process is currently preparing a Discussion Paper for consultation in July-August with further consultation on a draft report in November-December 2026, with a final report scheduled to be handed to government in February 2027 – see details here.

Join us as we continue refine key messages for the upcoming Water Act Review. In particular we are seeking real-world water sector examples of the impact of the lack of clarity in key policy instruments that are impeding the delivery of good research and science and putting at risk decision making and good long-term planning.

If you have further questions about the submissions and the event please contact [email protected]