Bottled water industry welcomes review by the NSW Chief Scientist

The Australian Beverages Council, through its water division, the Australasian Bottled Water Institute [ABWI], has welcomed a review by the NSW Chief Scientist & Engineer, announced today.

‘We are confident that the review to be carried out by the highly respected Professor Hugh Durrant-Whyte will be thorough and fair in its appraisal of water extraction for the bottled and packaged water industry,’ said Mr Geoff Parker, Chief Executive Officer, Australian Beverages Council.

‘We are confident that the Chief Scientist will find that the bottled water industry responsibly manages groundwater sources across NSW, as all ABWI-certified source owners are required to ensure the ongoing sustainability of their water sources,’ added Mr Parker.

The bottled water industry uses just 0.1 per cent of all groundwater extracted across the country, with other agricultural uses comprising the vast majority of all water used.

‘It is crucial that the review considers the minimal environmental impact of water extraction by our industry while considering the positive economic contribution the industry makes to communities across Australia,’ said Mr Parker.

The Australian Beverages Council will make full representations to the Chief Scientist & Engineer as part of this important review.

Mr Geoff Parker is available for interview about the bottled and packaged water industry in Australia, including its environmental sustainability.

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Australian Beverages Council

The Australian Beverages Council is the peak body representing the collective interests of the non-alcoholic beverages industry. We strive to advance the industry as a whole, as well as successfully represent the range of beverages produced by our members. These include carbonated regular and diet soft drinks, energy drinks, sports and isotonic drinks, bottled and packaged waters, fruit juice and fruit drinks, cordials, iced teas, ready-to-drink coffees, flavoured milk and flavoured plant milk.

The unified voice of the Australian Beverages Council offers our members a presence beyond individual representation in order to promote fairness in the standards, regulations, and policies concerning non-alcoholic beverages.

The Australian Beverages Council introduced a dedicated juice division, Juice Australia (formerly Fruit Juice Australia), in 2009 and a dedicated water division, the Australasian Bottled Water Institute (ABWI), in 2011. Through these, our organisation, and its relevance and impact continue to grow.

For further information or to interview Geoff Parker, CEO, Australian Beverages Council:

Shae Courtney
Australian Beverages Council
T: 02 8313 7760
M: 0420 736 136
E: Shae@ausbev.org