This book seeks to explore the circumstances underpinning the profound reorientation of attitudes and relationships to water that had taken  place in Australia  in recent decades. The changing emphases from development to management of water resources continue to evolve and is reflected in a series of public policy initiatives directed towards rational, efficient and sustainable use of the nation’s water. Australia is now recognized as a pacesetter in water reform. Administrative restructuring, water pricing, water markets and trade, integrated water resourced management, and the emergence of the private sector, are features for a more economically sound and environmentally compatible water industry. These changes are documented and their rationale and effectiveness explained.