The National Water Initiative (NWI) is an intergovernmental agreement between the Commonwealth and State and Territory Governments that provides a framework and principles for national water reform to manage Australia's water resources sustainably into the future. It aims to make Australia's water use more efficient, provide investment confidence and certainty for the environment, and improve water security for rural and urban communities. Tasmania became a signatory to the NWI on 2 June 2005.
A new National Water Agreement (NWA) has been developed by the Australian Government with input from all states and territories to build on the NWI to address current and future water challenges. The new National Water Agreement:
supports sustainable water planning in a changing climate
strengthens influence for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in water management
maintains the strong water access rights currently in place
promotes a flexible management approach that adapts to changing circumstances
ensures secure water supplies for expanding urban areas and remote communities
supports the irrigated agriculture sector, which can be vulnerable to the impacts of climate change
As of 1 September 2026, only the Australian Government has signed the new NWA. States and territories are considering their position in relation to signing the new Agreement.
To learn more about the proposed National Water Agreement visit A new National Water Agreement.