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PUBLIC LECTURES
Water management options for urban and rural Australia 2009
AUSTRALIA’S WATER CHALLENGES
6 October 2009
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Dr Don Blackmore Don Blackmore has 40 years experience in water and natural resources management both in Australia and in many countries around the world. He was the Chief Executive of the Murray Darling Basin Commission for 15 years. He has worked with a range of research funding and provider groups over the years and was Deputy Chair of Land and Water Australia for 9 years during the 1990’s. He was a Commissioner on the World Commission on Dams, an independent group established by over 50 international agencies and companies to review the development effectiveness of large dams. A highlight was the presentation of their report to the international community represented by Nelson Mandela. Don has also provided advice to the World Bank on the management of large river basins and has recently worked on the Nile, Indus, Mekong, Ganges and Brahamaputra Rivers. He is a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering and was awarded the degree of Doctor of Science (honoris causa) by La Trobe University. He was made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for his service to the environment, particularly through the Murray-Darling Basin Commission and through the development of sustainable water management practices. |
 MP3 format – 61MB |
The drought in southern Australia combined with climate change has caused both rural and urban Australia to confront its water future. Drought conditions are unprecedented over our recorded history. Environmental sustainability of our rivers and streams is now at the forefront of community thinking.
Recognising the unprecedented pressures on water resources, Australia has committed to ambitious and world leading water reforms. Never has it been more important for the response to these challenges to be integrated and coordinated across government policy and programs in partnership with industry and the community.
Australia is not alone in these challenges. Some examples from countries and regions facing similar challenges will be discussed. On the international scene a key question is whether climate change vying with increased population pressures will lead to tension that could escalate into conflict.
Water management will indeed be a major geopolitical issue in the coming decade.