Water policy and programs
Rural Water
Australian Government Response to the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Regional Australia's Report Of drought and flooding rains: Inquiry into the impact of the Guide to the Murray-Darling Basin Plan in Regional Australia
The Australian Government's response to the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Regional Australia's Report Of Drought and Flooding Rains: Inquiry into the impact of the Guide to the Murray-Darling Basin Plan in Regional Australia was tabled in Parliament on Thursday 24 November 2011. This Inquiry was chaired by Mr Tony Windsor MP.
The Committee's report highlighted community concern for a better balance between consumptive use of water and water for the environment.
The Government has agreed to a number of measures to help ensure the Government's reforms deliver a healthy river system, sustainable food and fibre production, and strong communities.
- Government response to Standing Committee on Regional Australia inquiry into the Guide to the Murray Darling Basin Plan - media release 24 November 2011
- Australian Government's response
Driving Reform in the Basin
The Driving Reform in the Basin program supports Australian Government contributions to the operation and water reform functions of the Murray-Darling Basin Authority , including those under the Water Act 2007. It also gives the National Water Commission and Australian Competition and Consumer Commission specific roles and functions under the Water Act.
- Murray Darling Basin Authority
- Water Market and Water Charge rules
- Water Amendment Regulations 2010
The purpose of the water charge rules is to promote efficient water pricing and sustainable use of water resources and water infrastructure in the Murray-Darling Basin.
Sustainable Rural Water Use and Infrastructure
The Sustainable Rural Water Use and Infrastructure program invests in key rural water projects that support sustainable irrigation communities and that save water by upgrading out-dated and leaky irrigation systems.
- Compliance and Enforcement Systems for Water Resource Management
- Environmental Works and Measures Feasibility Program
- State Priority Projects
- On-Farm Irrigation Efficiency Program
- On-Farm Irrigation Efficiency (Pilot Projects) Program
- Strengthening Basin Communities
- Irrigation Modernisation Planning Assistance program
- Non-urban water metering
- Menindee Lakes and Aquifer Recharge
- Supporting more efficient irrigation in Tasmania
Restoring the Balance in the Murray Darling Basin (water entitlement buyback)
The Restoring the Balance in the Murray-Darling Basin Program is an important component of the Water for the Future initiative. The Australian Government has committed the $3.1 billion to the Restoring the Balance in the Murray-Darling Basin program to purchase water for the environment plus the $310 million per year from 2010-15 from water buyback if that is needed. The Government is committed to 'bridging the gap' between what has been returned to the environment, and what needs to be returned to the environment as determined by the independent Murray-Darling Basin Authority. This will be achieved through a combination of improvements in the health of the Basin's rivers, wetlands and floodplains.
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