Step change decreases in rainfall, dying river systems and record low storage inflows in many parts of Australia in recent years have made plain the challenge of achieving water security for the country. In recent weeks towns in southern Queensland have run out of mains water1 while in Melbourne storages remain below 40% going into summer. While many jurisdictions are imposing water usage targets and restrictions in an attempt to conserve vital water storages, Australians are still using an excessive amount of mains supplied water relative to our climate and to the rest of the world. At the same time, gigalitres of wastewater and stormwater ‐ enough to satisfy the needs of major cities ‐ are unutilized. It has become apparent that Australia needs to systemically alter the manner in which it manages water.

For this reason, the Alternative Technology Association (ATA) appreciates the opportunity to comment on the National Water Initiative’s Pricing Principles. The structure of water pricing plays an important role in directing water policy. Of central importance is the need for pricing principles to support environmentally sustainable water management practices by consumers, retailers and policymakers alike.

ATA Submission to NWI Draft pricing principles

National – Wednesday 09 Decemeber 2009
In the wake of failed negotiations in Canberra, the Australian Government must not impede the efforts of individuals and communities who are actively working to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, says the Alternative Technology Association (ATA), Moreland Energy Foundation (MEFL) and the Total Environment Centre (TEC).
Damien Moyse, Energy Policy Manager [...]

When: Wednesday December 16
Time: 6pm
Where: Earthwise, 315 Bagot Rd, Subiaco (just next to the Subiaco Primary School)
Refreshments: Coffee and biscuits provided (gold coin donation).
Join the Perth branch for the last meeting of the year. It will be a social get together and a discussion of the direction of the branch in 2010.
Look forward [...]

When: Wednesday December 9
Time: 6pm
Where: Alexander Avenue, South Yarra, Melways Map 2G, D11 – E11, between Swan St and Morell Bridges
Transport: Train to South Yarra or Richmond
RSVP: Tim Hamer 0419 355 374 or hamermain@bigpond.com

Join the Melbourne branch for some Christmas celebrations!

Snags and some drinks provided, otherwise BYO.

Please note that there is no meeting on [...]

When: Tuesday 8th December
Time: 7.30pm
Where: Enfield Community Centre, 540 Regency Road, Enfield.
Entry fee: Gold coin donation to assist with hall hire.

Read the minutes from the November meeting here and the agenda for the December meeting here.

This will be a joint meeting with the Australia New Zealand Solar Energy Society (ANZSES) and is also the ATA [...]