Publications
In 2006, the Advisory Council published Victorian Water Trust: Accelerating Sustainable Water Management. This document summarises the impact of the first 3 years investment from the Trust.
Victorian Water Trust: Accelerating Sustainable Water Management - Summary Brochure (PDF~1.0mb)
The full report Victorian Water Trust: Accelerating Sustainable Water Management provides information on the impact of investment from the Trust in greater detail.
Victorian Water Trust: Accelerating Sustainable Water Management - Part 1 (PDF~1.7mb) Victorian Water Trust: Accelerating Sustainable Water Management - Part 2 (PDF~1.0mb)
Irrigation Futures
In 2007, the VWT Advisory Council convened a workshop of leading water experts around Australia to consider the future success and sustainability of irrigated agriculture in the Southern Murray-Darling Basin in the face of the dramatic effects of climate change. The resulting report The future of irrigation in the Southern Murray-Darling Basin: A discussion paper was prepared to stimulate thinking and discussion regarding the future success and sustainability of irrigated agriculture in the Basin This report considers the future of irrigated agricultural enterprises, and required responses in terms of irrigation infrastructure investment and industry development.
The report found that irrigated agriculture in the Southern Murray Darling Basin must meet very substantial challenges if it is to survive, including:
- The effects of climate change (that is, substantially less water, more irregular rainfall, and higher average temperatures), including potential changes in the geographical distribution of production.
- Global changes in agricultural production as a result of climate change and the power of large corporate buyers of agricultural produce.
- Supply side factors including technology, mechanisation and changes in transportation and distribution costs.
The report does not represent the views of the VWT Advisory Council, nor does it represent Government policy.
The Future of Irrigation in the Southern Murray-Darling Basin: A Discussion Paper (PDF~157kb)
Virtual Water
As the widespread drought continues and pressures on Victorian water resources increase, greater attention is being given to how much water is used by industries in Victoria and for what purpose. In recent years, the concept of 'virtual water' has been used by some parts of the water sector to assist in considering the total water used in producing a good or service and to contribute to a broader understanding of the total water cycle.
To help stimulate discussion, debate and ideas on water use within Victoria, through the Smart Water Fund, the VWT has funded a study titled The Virtual Water Cycle of Victoria. This report is a starting point, not an end point. There are clear limitations and risks associated with the concept of virtual water that must be well understood. This report does not represent the views of the VWT Advisory Council nor does it represent Government policy.
The Virtual Water Cycle of Victoria (PDF~2.6mb)
The Victorian Department of Primary Industries has also commissioned a study into the concept of 'virtual water'. The findings are contained in the report The concept of ‘virtual water’ – a critical review (Frontier Economics, 2008), which can be accessed on the DPI website.
Hormones in Victorian Treated Sewage Effluent
As one of its Water Conservation and Recycling Strategic Research Initiatives, through the Smart Water Fund, the VWT funded a project entitled "Hormones in Victorian Treated Sewage Effluent". This project aimed to reduce social and technical barriers to increased water recycling by assessing the range of hormonal activity and endocrine disrupting chemicals in recycled water and effluent from wastewater treatment plants, discharging to Victorian freshwaters. The project also aimed to provide the water industry with information on the most effective treatment models for removal of endocrine-disrupting chemicals from sewage effluent.
The study found lower estrogenic activity in Victorian treated sewage effluent than that reported in the northern hemisphere, and similar to that reported in recent Australian and New Zealand studies. It was concluded that estrogen levels in Victorian wastewater treatment plants are likely to be low, however the levels of estrogenic activity are likely to be an environmental risk if the wastewater treatment plant discharge represents a major component of the stream flow. However, it should be noted that this project did not measure the most potent steroidal hormone.
The results of this study will now be used to inform the ongoing development of guidance on the management of health and environmental risks associated with the use of recycled water being developed by the EPA and DHS with assistance from DSE.
This report does not represent the views of the VWT Advisory Council, nor does it represent Government policy.