In Queensland, the Premier Peter Beattie has moved to take charge of the water crisis in his state by announcing that his Government will take control of all council owned water assets in south-east Queensland.

Mr Beattie had previously accused councils of profiteering from water rates while failing to reinvest in infrastructure.

Under this plan, the state will own the dams, weirs and water sources, while the councils will continue to be involved in water distribution and retailing.

private sector investment will become more prominent in the industry as these more expensive projects are needed to be implemented to secure supplies for our cities."

And should the public be concerned

people need to be aware of that there's no doubt that in Australia urban water prices are going to rise over the next two or three years

these projects all have to be paid for and they will all be paid for by the urban consumers.