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Establishing an innovative, community-based decentralised water service: Challenges and benefits
Book chapter   Peer reviewed

Establishing an innovative, community-based decentralised water service: Challenges and benefits

C D Blumel, P Henderson and Peter Waterman
Regional Advantage and Innovation: Achieving Australia's National Outcomes, pp.385-400
Physica-Verlag HD
2013
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-7908-2799-6_21
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https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-7908-2799-6_21View
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Abstract

regional economics Australia
In Australia, the innovative management of water resources and water infrastructure is of critical importance, given that the continent is characterised by scarce water resources, a burgeoning population, and is already experiencing the pressures of climate change. In examining how regional Australia can play a role in managing water supply/demand issues, this chapter addresses three objectives. Firstly, it explores the regional advantage to be gained by moving towards the delivery of decentralised water services, particularly in peri-urban settings. Secondly, the key features and advantages of these services are illustrated through a case study example from Queensland's Sunshine Coast, where novel, community-based infrastructure has been installed, based on the principles of Integrated Water Cycle Management (IWCM). The case study highlights the implications of such systems for both water security and sustainability, including how the latter can be assessed. Thirdly, commentary is provided on the challenges and barriers to be overcome in establishing new arrangements for water entities, such as 'Community Water Limited (CWL)'. Through this case study, this chapter raises the argument that innovation for water security involves both technological and structural innovation. Indeed, it requires a paradigm shift, with major changes in thinking, attitudes and behaviour. Most importantly, as a new market mechanism with distinct value in regional settings, the establishment of community-based water companies needs specific policy and legislative support, if regional Australia is to be able to innovate for sustainability, water security, and climate change adaptation.

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