Municipal water use for irrigation in Victoria, Australia

Recent water industry reforms, pressure for ecologically sustainable development (ESD) and administrative changes to local government such as the introduction of compulsory competitive tendering (CCT) have the potential to affect municipal water use in Victoria. This thesis examines how local governments in Victoria manage water used for irrigation of council green areas. Global and Australian water issues, local government in Australia, ESD and local government water management, and Victoria's water industry and pricing system are discussed. Forty five councils in Victoria completed the survey `Municipal Water Use for Irrigation'. Results indicate that water use is becoming increasingly important to local government and the perceived need for water conservation is driven by both economic and environmental factors. Pressure for ESD is having an impact on municipal water use, particularly as many councils develop environmental management strategies or similar policies. Recent State Government reforms to the water industry, including changes to water pricing and charges for water use, are likely to have an affect on future consumption levels. Changes to the operational structure of local government in recent times, particularly the introduction of CCT, are also having an impact on water management. Councils reponses to CCT were mixed; some saying it created opportunities for improved water management, while others felt it gave them less control over water use. However, CCT has probably not been in operation long enough for its effect to be fully gauged. Councils are beginning to implement strategies for water conservation, including the application of xeriscape principles to council landscapes and improved horticultural practices and irrigation management. Further work is required at a local government level before significant reductions in water use can occur. This includes an audit of council water use, the development of water management strategies, improved landscape management practices and community education