The first stages of Australian forest water regulation: National reform and regional implementation

► Australia second country behind South Africa to regulate forest water use. ► South Australia first jurisdiction to achieve state-wide forest water regulation under national reforms. ► Effectiveness of reforms depends on alignment of regional planning with national policy objectives. ► Obstacles encountered arising from competing government policy agendas at different scales. ► Basis of accounting models limited and their integrity varies according to region. ► National forest water management research programme required to meet regional needs.