Securing Australia's Water Future

Introduction

As the newly appointed editor of the Australasian Journal of Environmental Management (AJEM), it is with both a profound sense of responsibility and immense enthusiasm that I pen this inaugural editorial. The realm of environmental management stands at a pivotal juncture, where the urgency of global environmental challenges intersects with unparalleled opportunities for innovation, collaboration, and transformative action. In this dynamic landscape, the AJEM remains committed to being at the forefront of disseminating cutting-edge research, fostering multidisciplinary dialogues, and shaping the discourse on sustainable environmental practices within the Australasian region and beyond.

Our journal has long been a repository of high-calibre scholarly work, a forum for the exchange of robust methodologies, innovative solutions, and critical analyses that address the complexities of environmental management. As I embark on this new chapter together, our mission extends beyond the mere publication of research. We aim to catalyze real-world impact, informing policy, guiding practice, and contributing to cultivating resilient ecosystems and communities. As the journal of the Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand, this publication serves as a vital nexus and forum for exchange among environmental practitioners, policy-makers, and academics. It enables robust dialogue, dissemination of innovative research findings, and the sharing of best practices and policy insights, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and advancing environmental sustainability and management across the region.

The environmental landscape is dynamic, necessitating equally adaptive approaches to its management and comprehension. Recognizing this, one of my primary goals as editor is to ensure that AJEM evolves in tandem with the latest developments, technologies, and frameworks in environmental management. This means embracing interdisciplinary research, integrating Indigenous knowledge and practices, and highlighting innovative nature-based solutions that promise sustainability and adaptability in the face of changing global conditions.

The strength of AJEM lies not just in the quality of articles we publish but in the vibrancy and diversity of our community of researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and educators. I am committed to enhancing engagement with our community through various platforms and initiatives. This includes thematic special issues, interactive forums, and partnerships that bridge gaps between research and practice. Your insights, feedback and active participation will be invaluable as we shape the journal's direction and impact together.

A call to action: Securing Australia's water future

In the face of daunting environmental challenges, the need for informed, effective, and innovative environmental management has never been more critical. I invite you, our readers and contributors, to join us on this journey. Whether through submitting your research, engaging with our content, or contributing to the discussions we hope to foster, your role is crucial in our collective pursuit of environmental stewardship and sustainability.

From now on, I have dedicated myself to spotlighting a particular issue, urging action in every editorial. In this edition, our focal point is the crucial endeavor of securing Australia's water future amidst the evolving challenges posed by climate change.

Australia faces a pivotal moment in securing its water future. As the world's driest inhabited continent, grappling with the dual challenges of a changing climate and an increasing demand for water resources, the task is urgent and complex. This editorial features the critical need for a clear, comprehensive, and equitable approach to water security that acknowledges the unique environmental and societal landscapes of Australia.

Water security, a term that has gained significant traction since the early 2000s, remains elusive in its definition at both federal and state levels in Australia. The current discourse often narrows its focus to the quantity of water, sidelining equally crucial aspects such as quality, accessibility, and governance. This limited perspective fails to capture the multifaceted nature of water security, which includes not just the physical availability of water, but also its role in sustaining livelihoods, preserving ecosystems, and supporting socio-economic development.

Australia's environmental conditions—characterized by droughts, bushfires, and significant warming trends—exacerbate the water security challenge. These conditions highlight the necessity of adopting water management strategies that are both technologically advanced and sensitive to the country's unique ecosystems. Moreover, the impact of water management policies on First Nations communities, historically marginalized in water governance, stresses the need for a more inclusive and just approach.

To navigate these challenges, Australia must adopt a definition of water security that encompasses availability, accessibility, quality, and governance. Such a framework should be underpinned by a quantitative assessment considering physical, socio-economic, and governance dimensions. This approach demands an understanding of the complex interconnections among biophysical and social systems across multiple scales and emphasizes the importance of environmental justice in the selection and implementation of water management strategies. The current review of the National Water Initiative (DCCEEW, 2024) provides such an opportunity.

Addressing water security in Australia requires dispelling several myths that hinder progress (Taylor, 2021). These include the belief in “aqua nullius,” which ignores the water rights of First Peoples; the reliance on large infrastructure projects like dams as a panacea; the planning based on a ‘climate normal’ that no longer exists; and the misplaced faith in increased water efficiency through irrigation infrastructure subsidies. These myths perpetuate a cycle of water insecurity and overlook the realities of climate change and the socio-economic disparities in water access.

Securing Australia's water future calls for a paradigm shift—one that moves beyond narrow definitions and simplistic solutions to embrace a holistic, equitable, and sustainable approach. This involves recognizing the diverse needs and rights of all Australians, including First Peoples, and ensuring that water security strategies are responsive to the environmental, social, and economic dimensions of the challenge.

Australia can lead by example, to develop and implement water security policies that are as dynamic and resilient as its landscapes and communities. By embracing complexity, prioritizing equity, and engaging in inclusive governance, Australia can secure a water future that sustains its ecosystems and livelihoods, and the social fabric that binds the nation together. In doing so, Australia will address its own water security challenges and contribute to global efforts to ensure sustainable access to water for all, in a world where water is increasingly seen as a precious and finite resource.

Articles in this issue

In this issue, I present a series of important studies that collectively highlight the imperative of innovative environmental management and conservation strategies in the face of Australasia’s unique ecological challenges. Chulliparambil et al. (2024) pioneer a method for transforming landfills into biodiverse habitats using GIS and multi-criteria analysis, emphasizing ecological rehabilitation's potential in Queensland. Hernandez et al. (2024) introduce advanced predictive methodologies for identifying vegetation communities at risk of forest cover loss, advocating for targeted conservation efforts. Wade et al. (2024) explore the dynamics of gender and participation in online deliberative processes, highlighting the need for inclusive engagement strategies in environmental management. Thomas (2024) provides a comprehensive overview of the environmental profession’s evolution in Australia, reflecting on the sector's growth and the diversifying roles of environmental professionals. Finally, Zakari et al. (2024) evaluate the impact of renewable energy rebates on Australia's environmental quality, stressing the importance of resilient policy frameworks.

Chulliparambil et al. (2024) point out that landfills involve large areas of land that cannot be developed but can be rehabilitated to provide habitats for species of interest and corridor connectivity. By leveraging Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and multi-criteria analysis, the research seeks to quantify the ecological rehabilitation value of these landfills, with a particular emphasis on Southeast Queensland and the Wet Tropics. The methodology employs multiple environmental features to create two novel scores – an environmental and a habitat score – that assess the total area and the presence of environmental features conducive to ecosystem services and connectivity. The findings reveal significant potential for ecological rehabilitation in the identified regions, suggesting that landfill sites can be transformed into high-value habitats for endangered species while enhancing ecological connectivity. This revelation underscores the importance of considering landfills not as wasted spaces but as opportunities for ecological conservation and environmental sustainability. The study advocates for landfill after-use to be integrated into regulatory and stakeholder agendas as a strategic approach to environmental conservation. The developed methodology presents a comprehensive framework for informing decision-making processes regarding landfill after-use and for strategically prioritizing landfill sites for ecological rehabilitation within local governmental areas. This study not only highlights the untapped potential of closed landfills for contributing to ecological conservation but also reinforces the need for innovative approaches in environmental management and sustainability practices. It sets a precedent for how GIS and multi-criteria analysis can be applied to assess and realize the ecological value of underutilized lands, paving the way for more sustainable and environmentally conscious land use planning and conservation efforts.

Hernandez et al. (2024) present an innovative approach on conservation prioritization in Queensland, Australia. The researchers have utilized a novel approach combining generalized estimating equations from logistic regression with vegetation community mapping to predict areas at risk of forest cover loss. This methodological innovation enables the identification of vegetation communities vulnerable to transitioning to a more at-risk status, addressing a significant gap in conservation knowledge. The study assesses the vulnerability of various bioregions and their vegetation communities under three scenarios of land clearing: low, moderate, and high. Even in the most conservative scenario, a noticeable percentage of vegetation communities faced the threat of clearing, with the risk escalating substantially under moderate and high scenarios. Specifically, under the high scenario, almost half of the vegetation communities were found to overlap with areas deemed suitable for clearing, potentially altering the status of 158 communities. This research highlights the critical need for targeted conservation strategies to protect these high-risk communities. It advocates for the implementation of effective management practices that prioritize the safeguarding of vulnerable areas while also addressing the lesser threats in regions where clearing is deemed to have a minimal impact. The findings present a compelling case for a strategic, data-driven approach to conservation planning in Queensland, emphasizing the importance of balancing ecological preservation with sustainable land use. This study not only offers valuable insights for policymakers, conservationists, and land managers in shaping future conservation efforts but also sets a precedent for applying advanced predictive methodologies to enhance conservation prioritization efforts globally.

Wade et al. (2024) undertook an intensive study of recordings of an online deliberative process towards transition towards a low carbon energy mix. Utilizing Gastil’s input-process-outcome model within Zoom deliberations, the research sheds light on how gender, both of participants and facilitators, affects contributions to discussions. This inquiry into the dynamics of deliberation reveals that equitable participation remains a challenge, thereby redefining the facilitator's role from a mere overseer to a curator of engagement processes. The study's findings emphasize the critical need for considering gender as part of a legitimate deliberation process, thereby enriching dialogues around stakeholder engagement in various fields including sustainability, energy, and environmental management. The research emphasizes the broader implication of these insights for organizations, stressing the importance of meaningful and sustainable stakeholder engagement not just for social license but as a cornerstone for navigating the complex journey towards a sustainable future. By dissecting the nuances of stakeholder participation, the article calls for a reevaluation of engagement strategies to ensure they are inclusive and representative, highlighting the indispensable role of facilitators in achieving this goal.

Thomas (2024) explains the evolution and current landscape of the environmental profession in Australia, highlighting its growth into a significant and multifaceted workforce highly valued by Australian society. A survey conducted in 2022, building upon previous studies, aimed to shed light on the characteristics, roles, and perceptions of environmental professionals as we approach the mid-21st century. The findings offer longitudinal insights and trend analyses based on participants’ educational backgrounds, current roles, career trajectories, and the skills they employ. Additionally, it explores their views on the environmental and sustainability sector. The analysis suggests a notable expansion in the profession's scope, the diversity of required skills, and the challenges and opportunities these professionals anticipate facing. Despite the emerging challenges, there is a prevailing sense of optimism among participants about their role and the potential for leveraging community and government support to address environmental and sustainability issues.

Zakari et al. (2024) point out the crucial role that renewable energy rebates, specifically premium feed-in tariffs and renewable energy target policies, play in enhancing Australia's environmental quality. Utilizing sophisticated econometric modeling, the authors shed light on how premium feed-in tariffs significantly contribute to the reduction of carbon emissions over the long term, despite facing operational challenges in the short term. Conversely, the renewable energy target policy consistently proves effective in both temporal scopes, marking a cornerstone for Australia's energy policy. The study also navigates through the complexities introduced by external factors such as the China-Australia trade dispute and the global COVID-19 pandemic, which have undeniably impacted the renewable energy sector's supply chains and international cooperation efforts. These variables add a layer of heterogeneity to the effectiveness of renewable energy policies, emphasizing the need for adaptable and resilient policy frameworks. From a policy and management perspective, the findings from this study underline the pivotal importance of crafting renewable energy rebates that not only cater to immediate environmental benefits but also anchor Australia's long-term sustainability goals. It highlights the necessity for policymakers to engineer rebates and incentives that are both effective in the immediate term and sustainable over the long haul, thereby supporting Australia's commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable development. This article stands as a testament to the significant strides being made in renewable energy policy, offering vital insights for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and the scientific community. It beckons a call to action for developing robust, forward-thinking policies that harmonize short-term environmental gains with the strategic vision of enduring ecological integrity and sustainability.

Together, these articles present a multifaceted view of environmental management, from the rehabilitation of degraded lands and conservation prioritization to the nuances of stakeholder engagement, the evolving environmental workforce, and the efficacy of renewable energy policies. This collective body of work advances our understanding of environmental and conservation science and provides critical insights for policymakers, practitioners, and stakeholders aiming to navigate the complexities of sustainable development and ecological preservation in the Australasian region.

Looking Forward

I am deeply honored to take on the role of editor of the Australasian Journal of Environmental Management. I look forward to working with all of you—our authors, reviewers, readers, and the broader environmental management community—to continue the journal’s legacy of excellence and impact.

As I look to the future, I am optimistic about the role AJEM will play in advancing understanding, fostering collaboration, and driving action in environmental management. Together, I can navigate the new horizons that lie ahead, grounded in science, guided by policy, and galvanized by a shared commitment to a sustainable and resilient future.

Acknowledgements

I thank Helen Ross, former managing editor for contributing summary paragraphs on the articles her team edited and commenting on the draft of this editorial.