The Australian Water Association has launched its latest Australian Water Outlook.

The industry body launched the plan at the International Water Association’s conference in Brisbane on Wednesday.

The AWA says Australia faces unprecedented challenges in the planning and management of its water resources.

“The nation’s future prosperity is inextricably linked to how well our water resources will meet the needs of a growing population, diversified industries, and protection of the environment,” the associations said in a statement.

“Climate change and rainfall variability are placing increasing pressures on every aspect of the water industry as it grapples with aging infrastructure and increasing urbanisation.”

The AWA says it hopes the Outlook will encourage conversations that will change community and industry attitudes, priorities and perceptions are critical to developing a sustainable water policy for Australia. 

The report includes findings of the Australian Water Survey, which ran online between 18 July and 19 August 2016 and received over 2,500 responses. 

The Outlook is structured to address the following issues within the sector: 

• Water use and efficiency 
• The price of water 
• Sources and types of water 
• The future of water 
• Water security 
• Business outlook 

It also seeks to provide some contextual information, though it is primarily factual and data-driven.

The Australian Water Association says it will help the water sector and community to ensure the alignment of interests and government policy.

The report is available from the AWA’s website in PDF form, here.