Water management

The Murray–Darling Basin Authority is responsible for integrated, sustainable management of water resources in the Basin, including management of the following areas: 

• Water trading 
• Water use 
• Water quality 
• Groundwater 
• Water sharing 
• Wetlands 
• Irrigation 
• Surface water resources

Joint agreement provides for water sharing in 2009-10

A joint agreement has been finalised between the Prime Minister and the Premiers of New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia on the arrangements for the distribution of water in the southern Murray–Darling Basin for 2009-10.

The southern Murray–Darling Basin has been suffering from drought for the past decade and inflows to the River Murray remain close to record low levels. Under these conditions, the first priority for the distribution of water in the Basin is to ensure that states receive enough water for their critical human needs in 2009-10.

Each jurisdiction has made provisions to meet their respective critical human needs for the rest of this season and this joint agreement has ensured its availability.