Australian water decision making: are politicians performing?. Issue 2 (3rd March 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Horne, James
• Is Part Of: International journal of water resources development. Volume 36:Issue 2/3(2020)
• Page Start: 462
• Page End: 483
• Publication Date: 2020-03-03
• Subjects: Australia -- water infrastructure -- water governance -- political decision making -- indigenous disadvantage; Water resources development -- Periodicals; Water-supply, Agricultural -- Periodicals; 333.91005
• DOI: 10.1080/07900627.2019.1685950
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0790-0627

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Australia has husbanded its water resources to deliver laudable environmental and economic outcomes. But a close examination reveals some areas where decisions have resulted in poor outcomes and unsatisfactory use of public funds. This article examines some of these decisions through four case studies in which I suggest that current water infrastructure governance arrangements should be improved, through compelling politicians to place a greater focus on delivering value for money from infrastructure investments. Delivering higher-quality water services to remote indigenous communities should also be accorded a much higher priority.