A Water Story

Freshwater scarcity is a critical challenge, with social, economic, political and environmental consequences. Water crises in Australia have already led to severe restrictions being applied in cities, drought ravaging farmlands, and the near-terminal decline of some rivers and wetlands.

A Water Story provides an account of Australian water management practices, set against important historical precedents and the contemporary experience of other countries. It describes the nature and distribution of the country's natural water resources, management of these resources by Indigenous Australians, the development of urban water supply, and support for pastoral activities and agricultural irrigation, with the aid of case studies and anecdotes. This is followed by discussion of the environmental consequences and current challenges of water management, including food supply, energy and climate change, along with options for ensuring sustainable, adequate high-quality water supplies for a growing population.

A Water Story is an important resource for water professionals and those with an interest in water and the environment and related issues, as well as students and the wider community.

About the Author

Geoff Beeson is an independent researcher with a long-held interest in water use and management. He has a background in science and a PhD in science education. He was formerly a professor and Pro Vice-Chancellor at Deakin University. He has worked in several countries and has travelled widely throughout Australia and overseas observing developments in water management practices, both ancient and modern.

About the Author

Mark Dunphy has worked in rainforest restoration for 35 years. He has worked as a rainforest regenerator, ecological restoration consultant and nursery owner of Firewheel Rainforest Nursery on the North Coast of NSW. He has worked on over 100 projects and grown over 1 million trees. A regular presenter at rainforest restoration field days, workshops and conferences, his work has appeared in the Australian Journal of Ecological Management and in the book Subtropical Rainforest Restoration: A Practical Manual and Data Source for Landcare Groups, Land Managers and Rainforest Regenerators.