16/04/2005 - Australia's
experience in managing water as the driest
inhabited continent on earth will be shared
with the international community at the 13th
United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development
(CSD13) in New York next week, the Minister
for the Environment and Heritage, Senator
Ian Campbell said today.
"Australians are aware of the need to
protect and conserve our water supplies, and
we are tackling this challenge at every level
with the National Water Initiative, supported
by the Australian Government's new Australian
Water Fund.
"It's important to remember that our
problems pale in comparison with many developing
nations, where the lack of safe drinking water
and sanitation put the lives of millions of
people at risk. This is thrown into even starker
relief with natural disasters like the recent
tsunami and earthquake in our own region.
"One message the Australian delegation
will take to the CSD, attended by environment
ministers from around the world, will be that
good governance in natural resource management
is fundamental to water management, as it
is to all aspects of sustainable development.
"We'll be aiming to show how Australia's
approach to water policy, planning, scientific
and technical investment, and management may
offer valuable policy and practical lessons
for others.
"We will also highlight the role reliable
water supplies and adequate sanitation services
play in maintaining community health and sustainable
development; and the importance of voluntary
partnerships between governments, industry
groups and communities in reaching common
goals." Senator Campbell said that while
in the United States he would also take the
opportunity to visit senior Administration
figures in Washington to discuss climate change
issues and progress the Australia-US Climate
Action Partnership.
"Australia and the United States are
involved in 20 collaborative projects through
this bilateral arrangement, ranging from improving
scientific understanding to working with our
Pacific neighbours to respond to climate change,"
he said.
"I will also continue discussions on
the development of an effective, long-term
global response to climate change that covers
all major emitters, including the United States.
"Water and climate change are our most
pressing domestic and global environmental
challenges, and this will be a timely opportunity
both to learn from others, and to contribute
our own knowledge and expertise in these areas."
