INTEGRATED WATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT IN PERI-URBAN LANDSCAPES: LESSONS FROM ENGAGING STAKEHOLDERS AND COMMUNITY

摘要

The concept of Integrated water resources management (IWRM) is centuries old but it gotrnblurred with the onslaught of the modern technologies. What is new in the current IWRMrnparadigm is the renewed emphasis on bringing the varied stakeholders together and gainingrna greater appreciation of local peculiarities for developing IWRM strategies. Sydney, like allrngrowing cities, is expanding into adjacent rural lands (peri-urban areas). However, IWRM isrnsignificantly different in peri-urban landscapes and it is more difficult due to the complexity ofrnissues and range of stakeholders, agencies and interests involved. In this study, we exploredrna multitude of issues that had to be resolved, the challenges that had to be faced and thernopportunities that were created when undertaking IWRM in this peri-urban landscape. Thernmost important issues for IWRM in peri-urban landscapes include maintenance of the waterrncycle for agriculture, recreation and environment in the face of expanding urban needs. Forrnachieving long-term regional water security in peri-urban landscapes, we need effectivernengagement of stakeholders, regional water managers and land-use planners for developingrncommon vision and long-term planning. In addition, we need to treat regional water cyclernas one unit rather than manage water within local government boundaries.