The Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA WA) has welcomed the release of the state government’s Waterwise Perth Action Plan today by the Minister for Water as a significant step forward in planning for our city’s water future.

“Water is one of our most precious resources and we know from the evidence that we must ensure we are taking meaningful steps now to plan for even scarcer water resources over the coming years,” UDIA WA CEO Tanya Steinbeck said.

“As the plan suggests, we are moving on from simply saving water to actively improving how we manage our water resources,” Ms Steinbeck said.

“With developers implementing water sensitive urban design principles into new communities and the ability to try new and innovative ways to manage water, the industry and government are making great strides in this space,” Ms Steinbeck said.

“Following the release of this plan, developers are very keen to continue to work with government to trial new innovations and push the boundaries when it comes to what we can achieve in water management,” Ms Steinbeck said.

“It is fantastic to see that state government projects will be leading by example,” Ms Steinbeck said. “Particularly in METRONET precincts that are going to form a significant portion of new development in Perth in the coming years.”

“Perth certainly has the potential to be a leading waterwise city and I think the targets within the plan released today are very achievable,” Ms Steinbeck said.

“As a community we all want to maintain the beautiful green spaces and healthy waterways that Perth has an international reputation for,” Ms Steinbeck says.

“Managing water wisely is a big part of retaining those characteristics that we value so much in our city and ensuring that we are delivering places that are actively responding to our drying climate,” Ms Steinbeck said.

“Industry is very supportive of trialling new initiatives, particularly in relation to water recycling and other new technology that can take the pressure off our finite water supplies,” Ms Steinbeck said.

“We are excited at the opportunities to work together toward being leaders in water management.”

Ends.

For more information:
Gemma Osiejak

Executive Manager Communications and Marketing
UDIA WA
P: 0421 506 819
E: gosiejak@udiawa.com.au