Responding to change: lessons from water management for metropolitan governance

Abstract

Metropolitan governance is back on the agenda in Australia as cities continue to grow and dominate the economy as well as their surrounding regions. In some sectors, however, metropolitan governance is not new. Water resources have long been governed at a metropolitan scale, even if it has not been explicitly called so. This paper uses the example of water governance in South East Queensland (SEQ) to draw lessons for metropolitan-scale governance across Australia. It discusses why and how water governance in SEQ has become increasingly 'metropolitan', the advantages of this approach, and why it has also proved problematic. In particular, the findings of the research highlight how the approach in SEQ has been fragmented. The paper concludes by outlining recommendations for improving coordination and participation at the metropolitan scale.

Planning for FEWsheds: The Role of Planning in Integrating and Strengthening Food, Energy and Water Systems

“…Many communities also consolidate their water systems in response to drought or water quality issues. Following the Millennium Drought experienced in southern Australia between 1996 and 2010, the South East Queensland (SEQ) underwent a series of restructures to become more regional in governance, though a number of local governments re-assumed control of local water supply (Morgan, Torabi and Dedekorkut-Howes 2020). In part, slow response from the State to address local drought needs instigated the reform (Morgan, Torabi and Dedekorkut-Howes 2020).…”

“…Following the Millennium Drought experienced in southern Australia between 1996 and 2010, the South East Queensland (SEQ) underwent a series of restructures to become more regional in governance, though a number of local governments re-assumed control of local water supply (Morgan, Torabi and Dedekorkut-Howes 2020). In part, slow response from the State to address local drought needs instigated the reform (Morgan, Torabi and Dedekorkut-Howes 2020). Similar rationales exist with municipal utility districts and at a smaller scale for individuals and communities who seek to go “off the grid” by becoming self-sustaining in sourcing their own FEW resources (Vannini and Taggart 2014).…”

A sustainable urban water management model under uncertainty: a case study

“…This has caused problems in water resources. It has affected Iran's existing water management policies, which have recently encountered numerous issues in terms of quantity and quality of water resources (Morgan et al, 2020).…”