The progress of the Australian urban water industry on building industry capacity around the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) has been reviewed with a progress report released by the Water Services Association of Australia (WSAA).
Supported by nine case studies, the report demonstrates the progress by the industry to support and promote the SDGs in partnership with other utilities, customers and stakeholders, and shows the industry’s contribution to achieving national and global SDG commitment.
In August 2017, WSAA made a commitment on behalf of its members to play its part in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals with the launch of Global Goals for Local Communities: Urban water advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The program is designed to encourage collaboration between water utilities, governments, regulators and the community while focusing on a sustainable future for both people and planet.
One year on, more than 20 WSAA members have signed the WSAA urban water industry commitment to support and promote all 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Many WSAA members have embraced the challenge, while others are exploring the opportunities and possibilities.
Understanding there is more to do, WSAA members continue to build on a strong legacy of safe drinking water and sanitation services as well as contribute to all 17 Goals through partnerships and projects.
Moving forward, WSAA will continue to use the goals as a lens to frame the broader contribution urban water makes to a prosperous, sustainable and equitable society. This will include engaging with the industry, contributing to the national agenda through forging new partnerships and further developing those already in place.
