The authors were recently involved in developing and implementing policies for water reform in Melbourne and Sydney. In particular the Victorian policy Living Melbourne Living Victoria responded to growing community concern about the narrow focus of water strategy in recent history and the need for more liveable cities. In contrast, the Sydney Water reform program responds to concern about the increasing costs of managing, operating and providing traditional infrastructure; and resistance of the industry to more integrated and decentralized alternative strategies such as water sensitive urban design (WSUD) and integrated water cycle management (IWCM).

This paper provides a narrative about development of systems analysis to support change programs, new policies, different governance arrangements and alternative solutions for a water monopoly and a state government. The often hidden transactions of a range of actors in the process are described to understand the key drivers that impact on alternative water strategies and policies.

Presentation: Presentation Canberra

Paper: Publication