Water policy and programs
Water in our environment
Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder
The Water Act 2007 establishes the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder to manage the water entitlements that the Commonwealth acquires. These water entitlements will be used to protect or restore environmental assets such as wetlands and streams.
Wetlands
Wetlands are vital to Australia. They protect our shores from wave action, reduce the impacts of floods, absorb pollutants and provide critical habitat for animals and plants.
- Find out more about Australia's significant and ramsar wetlands or Wetlands programs.
River Health
River health is a crucial component of the sustainable management of our rivers, wetlands and groundwater basins.
Living Murray Initiative
The Living Murray Initiative was established to help improve the health of the River Murray, with a focus on six icon sites that are internationally significant wetlands supporting a rich biodiversity. The program is managed by the Murray-Darling Basin Authority
Great Artesian Basin Sustainability Initiative
The Great Artesian Basin Sustainability Initiative provides funding to accelerate work on the repair of uncontrolled artesian bores and the replacement of wasteful open earthen bore drains with piped reticulation systems through the Great Artesian Basin.
Lake Eyre Basin
The Lake Eyre Basin is one of the world's largest internally draining systems covering about 1.2 million square kilometres, almost one-sixth of Australia.
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For up-to-date information about the Australian Government's Water for the Future plan.
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