(1)   For each financial year since 1 July 2000, what was the total water usage, in litres, by each department and agency in the Minister’s portfolio.

(2)   Since 1 July 2000, what measures has the Minister’s department instigated to reduce water usage.

(1)   Water usage is monitored locally at Defence sites. Data is not aggregated nationally. Water usage across the whole of Defence was in the order of 9.2 gigalitres in 2005 (based on a water use and consumption profile study of Defence facilities).

(2)   Defence is proactively addressing water management issues through the Defence Environmental Management System, site environmental management plans and the Defence Sustainable Water Management Strategy. This strategy was launched in February 2004 and was recently updated in December 2006. The key objectives of the strategy are: maximising the efficiency of water use; eliminating losses through leakage and waste; and reducing potable water use by substituting lower grade sources of water where they remain fit for purpose (for example the collection and use of rainwater and stormwater, recycling of grey water and waste water). To achieve these objectives Defence has: identified 45 high-water-use sites across the Defence estate; commenced the identification of opportunities at these sites for reducing potable water consumption and increasing the use of rainwater and stormwater, and the recycling of grey water and waste water; set a 30 per cent water saving target in potable water in new buildings and major refurbishments; specified water efficient fittings, fixtures and appliances which have a minimum AAA rating or equivalent water efficiency labelling and standards scheme star rating; and developed regional and site water management plans for the Defence Estate. Examples of water efficiency projects that have been implemented across the Defence Estate include: the implementation of waste water recycling for irrigation of the sports ground at the Royal Military College Duntroon and the Australian Defence Force Academy; the installation of recycled water washpoint facilities at Gallipoli Barracks and Lavarack Barracks; rainwater harvesting for HMAS Cairns redevelopment and Oakey Army Aviation Centre; the installation of waterless urinals at RAAF Richmond and Enoggera Army Barracks; and the installation of dual flush toilets in various facilities.