WHERE ARE WOMEN IN THE WATER POLICY AND THE WATER REFORM PROCESS IN AUSTRALIA?

BRIDGING THE GAP: WOMEN FOR WATER AND WATER FOR WOMEN

Water is an important issue globally and particularly in our region. Women are not seen as a specific interest group in relation to Water and the changes occurring in water use, licensing and allocation in Australia. There are common as well as specific issues; water availability, freshwater, salinity, the ownership and distribution of water resources and rising sea levels.

In Australia, by 2050, the land affected by salinity will increase from 5.7m hectares to 17 million hectares.The Murray River, the major system, has flowed at 20% capacity since the 1960s. Water use from the river has increased 76% since the 1980s. In New Zealand, the level of pollutants in New Zealand's rivers contrasts New Zealand's Ôclean green' image.

Water is a precious resource. The average supply of water per person, worldwide, is estimated to drop by one-third in the next 20 years. Water usage by most of the Australian community does not reflect this. Australia is one of the driest continents in the world, yet Australia's per person water use is above that of Germany. Water supplies are falling while demand is growing at unsustainable rates. Australia ranks behind Papua New Guinea and New Zealand, among regional neighbours, for water availability, according to United Nations report from March this year. Australia ranks 40 out of 188 countries for water availability.

In Australia, Water and Water Reform is very much on the public agenda. Water governance, how we use and manage our water resources is a concern of all. Consultations and Senate Committees over 2003 include:

- Urban Water Supply and the Future Water Supply for Rural Industries and Communities
- The 'Living River' Consultation about the community and commercial use the Murray River.
- Trading of water licenses and concerns about over-use have received extensive coverage.
- Water raised at the COAG meeting.

These point to the importance of economic, social and environmental balance - the importance of the voice of communities in decision making, the impact of structural change in rural industries and the impact of changes in water policy on rural and regional communities.
Water is a rural and an urban issue. The water crisis is most severe in rural and regional areas. The very low water levels in dams and catchments - as well as the current NSW government investigation of the use of ground water use for Sydney's future water supplies and the restrictions on water use in the coming months in Sydney, demonstrates that water is an issue for all The question that needs to be asked is:

"Where are women in the water reform process?"

The involvement of women in water policy is limited in Australia, due to the traditional gender bias in decision-making and in the lack of specific inclusion of women. Equal participation in social and political issues involves women's equal right to articulate their needs and interests, as well as their vision of society, and to shape the decisions that affect their lives. Community consultation is taking place, however specific inclusion of women is not on the agenda.

The UNDP Gender Mainstreaming in IWRM suggests that Community consultation, while valuable, does not ensure women's participation. It is important rural and urban women are engaged. Water is a cross state and border issue, requiring national action. Local governments have an important role as regulators and service providers. Local authorities can play a role in overseeing the implementation of IWRM within their boundaries and in local catchment areas. Local leadership is needed to initiate sustainable processes in communities.

Women are asked to use their influence in community to ask questions about the ownership and management of water and to raise awareness of water issues. Women do have a direct interest in what happens to water, now and in the future, for their communities. Women who are interested in adding their voice to those asking questions and raising awareness that women are concerned and interested parties in the future of Water in Australia and its impact on communities, are invited to participate in this vital issue.

BRIDGING THE GAP: WOMEN FOR WATER AND WATER FOR WOMEN

BPW Australia will circulate a background paper and questions outlined in 'Women for Water' paper about the management of water resources in their community to women interested in this vital issue, including; A fact sheet on the organisations involved in the management, regulation and distribution of water. Contact Details of the Major Water Authorities and Water Boards throughout Australia, to support in identifying the local Authority, names and contacts of senior management. Background information on the relevance of water. Sources on Water Policy - Integrated Water Resource Management - that specifically includes women in Water Policy development.

As Dianne Glenn, BPW Asia Pacific Coordinator has noted: "Many women do not stop to think about how they can make a difference, to learn and understand how they can take more care of this precious commodity. Take opportunities to raise awareness, promote good practice, motivate people and mobilise resources to manage water in a more sustainable way. Become involved with community decisions, support others with similar objectives, stand for office or make yourselves available for appointments to Boards on decision-making and governance agencies
How? The Next Steps ....

Some examples of actions that could be taken and questions asked in your community. It is understood that not every one receives water from a municipal supply, some people are responsible for their own supply on their own land, and some have to travel to access it. However, many questions are applicable to all, some to only the first or third group.

Which agencies/level of government provide the policies and strategies on the provision and usage of water? Are you able to obtain copies to assist you to understand them? What responsibilities does each agency have?
Why do you need water, especially in your community (e.g. drinking, washing, sanitation, agriculture)? Who are the users? Is there a large user - e.g. an industry?

What/where is the source of your fresh water? How do you gain access and supply?
Who/what controls your water source? Is there a sustainable quantity for the future?
Who tests for purity & safety, for drinking, contamination and pollution? Is this controlled by legislation or local policy?
Who owns the water resource - is it in public or private ownership? Is the cost of water at a level that makes it accessible by all? What happens if someone does not pay the fee for using water?
Who distributes the water for public consumption or usage? Is the infrastructure of good quality to deliver water of drinkable quality or is it aged and needing replacement? Who owns the infrastructure - public or private?
Use the above questions to find out information about "waste water", including "grey water" (water that has been used for cleaning purposes) and sewage.
Is any of this recycled or re-used?
What happens to storm water and flood water in your community? Is any saved for reuse?
Are there women in any levels of local government that may be involved in IWRM (Integrated Water Resource Management) or on any Boards of Management with responsibilities for all types of water?
Are there any projects in your community where women are employed?
Anything else not previously known but information &/or questions provided by those participating?
Author, Caitlin Medley, BPW Oceania Co-ordinator
For more information or if you wish to participate; contact BPW Australia bpwaust@bpw.com.au