New policy-plan: NSW towns to purchase water on the open market in deal to go level 4 to level 3a, others must plan to truck water, open channels banned

The NSW Department of Water and Energy, said sufficient water will be provided to all towns to meet demands under Level 4 restrictions. Level 4 restrictions would continue until allocations of at least 20 per cent for high security licences were announced.

New idea: An option was currently being considered that would allow towns to purchase water on the open market if they wish to ease the level of restrictions from level 4 to level 3a. This would be on the basis that towns acquire 20 per cent of the volume to meet level 4 restrictions for that month.

Aus Govt energy fear: China locking-up resources by long-term contracts, bypassing market

The Australian Government was concerned that the shortfalls in supply of oil and other energy resources may prompt countries like China to lock up access to supplies through long-term contracts, reported The Sydney Morning Herald (3/9/2007, p.2).