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Water fundamentals. Prof. Mike Young Research Chair, Water Economics and Management The University of Adelaide AMCHAM Luncheon, 15 th February 2008. Fixing the Nation’s & SA’s Water Crisis. Fix MDB allocation foundations Get the pricing signals right Stop impeding innovation.
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Water fundamentals Prof. Mike Young Research Chair, Water Economics and ManagementThe University of Adelaide AMCHAM Luncheon, 15th February 2008
Fixing the Nation’s & SA’s Water Crisis • Fix MDB allocation foundations • Get the pricing signals right • Stop impeding innovation
Total River Murray System Inflows (including Darling River) WET DRY
Re-live from 1938 2014
MDB Foundations • A future-proofed sharing system for the MDB • Can be confidently explained as likely to work • Hydrological integrity • Acknowledges that long dry shifts might occur • Commits to maintaining the river in a state that allows it to transport water • Formally Shares water with the environment
A future-proofed regime Volume of Water in the System Volumetric allocation for evaporation, required transfers and losses
Urban Policy • Innovation • Pricing – competitive pressures • Standards – stop crowding out initiative • Develop all sources • Groundwater • Storm water • Grey water • Substitutes for water use • Trading • Subsidies and grants v’s the basics
Pricing • Two, three or “zero” tier pricing? • Why a fixed service fee? • Why a sewage charge based on land value? • Intelligent Software’s Research • Tiered pricing with fixed connection fee disadvantages low income households • Non competitive pricing and subsidies crowds out innovation • Innovative solutions can’t compete without subsidy • Stormwater • Waste water recycling • Why doesn’t SA have an independent price regulator?
Regulation • SA Health is crowding out innovation • Unlike other states, stopping development of small high standard treatment systems • 2008 Approval score card NSW 7, Qld 9, Vic 4, ACT 7, SA 0 • SA Health still requires 24/7 continuous monitoring • Reclaim Water • Since Jan 2008, Qld requires Development Applications to include alternative water supply • Greywater treatment or rain water tanks
Opening flood gate • Getting the foundations right • A new MDB Agreement • Competitive Innovation • Pricing to maximise opportunity for • All sources • At all scales • Prepared for a water constrained future
Subscribe to our Droplets at www.myoung.net.au Contact: Prof Mike Young Water Economics and Management Email: Mike.Young@adelaide.edu.au Phone: +61-8-8303.5279Mobile: +61-408-488.538 www.myoung.net.au