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The NPR Framework indicator review
The National Performance Reporting Framework (the Framework) supports commitments made by states and territories, under the National Water Initiative (NWI), to report publicly and independently on the performance of urban water utilities.
Now in its fifteenth year, it has been a valued source of information and data for utilities, regulators and policy makers. Its annual performance reports provide independent analysis and benchmarking of over 80 water utilities and cover:
- water resources
- financial operations
- pricing
- regulatory compliance
- assets
- customers and customer service
- environmental performance.
A major review of the Framework in 2019, delivered a set of evidence-based, actionable recommendations to support the Framework’s enduring legacy and secure its relevance and value into the future.
Responding to a number of these recommendations, this indicator review seeks to identify a set of nationally relevant and future focused themes, outcome areas and reporting metrics that:
- reflect the NPR Vision, Objectives and Outcomes
- address issues identified in the 2019 review
- align with existing jurisdictional reporting frameworks
- are future focused and are adaptable to industry change
- support users to produce or derive data using different platforms
The review will also recommend improvements to the NPR data quality framework, including operating procedures for data capture, processing, quality control and support.
The review we will engage with existing and new users of the Framework and draw on their insights and needs to shape the future of reporting and the type of data and information collected.
Engagement will feed parallel top down and bottom up approaches to the review.
The top down review will start with a clean slate and draw on insights and consultation to identify enduring nationally relevant themes, indicators and outcome areas that are consistent with the Framework's refreshed vision and objectives.
The bottom up review will summarise and analyse the NPR indicators and data and draw this together with insights from stakeholders to understand how the existing indicator set is meeting the Framework's refreshed vision and objectives and how existing indicators align with the outcomes of the top down assessment.
Engagement oppotunities
| Oppotunity | Details | Timing | |
|---|---|---|---|
Call for open submissions |
The submissions process is an opportunity to have your say on the future of reporting under the framework and the type of data and information it collects. |
Complete |
|
Indicator survey |
Dive into the detail. Have your say on the existing indicators through the NPR review indicator survey |
Complete |
|
Pop-up workshops |
A series of open and by invitation pop-up workshops on the NPR indicators |
Complete |
|
National outcome area and reporting workshops |
These selected invited workshops will test proposed indicator themes and outcome areas with senior industry professionals and seek feedback that will inform the projects recommendations |
Complete |
|
State and territory briefing paper |
The briefing paper will provide an opportunity for states and territories to formally respond to key elements of the proposed indicator pathways and identify issues around alignment with their jurisdictional processes and needs. |
July 2021 |
|
Industry briefing |
The briefing will provide a forum to socialise the proposed indicator themes and outcome areas with the broader industry and explore proposed metrics |
November 2021 |
|
Position paper |
A position paper on the proposed indicator themes and outcome areas will be circulated through jurisdictional channels |
November 2021 |
|
Invited trial |
Selected utilities across multiple jurisdictions will be invited to participate in a trial of reporting for the revised indicator set |
October/November 2021 |
|
Final indicator list |
The final indicator list will be circulated through jurisdictional channels |
December 2021 |
|
Draft handbook |
The revised NPR indicator handbook will be circulated through jurisdictional channels for review and comment on the indicator definitions |
December 2021 |
Frequenty Asked Questions
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Why is the indicator review being undertaken?
A major review of the Framework in 2019, delivered a set of evidence-based, actionable recommendations to support the Framework’s enduring legacy and secure its relevance and value into the future.
The 2019 review found that
Most respondents agree that indicator themes or categories need to adapt to address evolving needs and changing drivers in the sector, in order to remain relevant and meaningful. Some respondents suggested certain indicators that are currently included in the dataset need to be removed and/or updated (particularly in the customer service and environment categories), as they are no longer reflective of what they intend to measure. Others mentioned that there are evolving drivers, such as investment in research, socio-economic measures or the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), that are not currently included in Framework reporting but should be, as they are relevant to users.
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How can I get involved?
Starting with the open call for submission, there will be multiple opportunities for interested parties to engage with the review and have their say. Engagement opportunities are detailed here on the review home page and will be announced to registered users. Register your interest to stay informed of the review at the top of this page.
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What is the timeframe for the review?
The review is taking place over the next 12 months, and is due to deliver the final updated NPR Framework handbook in early 2022.