Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder
Wetland in poor condition as reflected by acid sulphate soils and dead River Red Gums
Photo John Baker
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, including those in the Murray-Darling Basin.
How will the water entitlements be acquired?
The Australian Government’s water holdings will be acquired by purchasing from willing sellers and from a share of water savings made through the programs of the national water plan, Water for the Future.
How will the water be used?
In the Murray-Darling Basin, these holdings will be managed in accordance with the environmental watering plan that will be developed by the Murray-Darling Basin Authority. The environmental watering plan will be part of the Basin Plan and will be developed by the Murray-Darling Basin Authority in consultation with state governments and stakeholders. The Murray-Darling Basin Authority will coordinate its activities with other holders of environmental water in the Basin.
Prior to the implementation of the environmental watering plan, the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder will deliver water to protect or restore important environments such as wetlands listed under the Ramsar Convention.
The Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder will work cooperatively with other holders of environmental water to maximise the benefit to the environment.
River Murray wetlands, Albury, NSW.
Photo Trevor J Ierino
Further information on the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder
For further information refer to:
- Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder Factsheet
- Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder Frequently Asked Questions
If you queries are not covered by the above, you can also call 1800 218 478 or send an email to: cewh@environment.gov.au.
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See also
- Australian Water Resources 2005
- Community Water Grants
- Council of Australian Governments' Water Reform Framework
- Lake Eyre Basin Agreement
- Living Murray Initiative
- Murray-Darling Basin Initiative
- National Action Plan for Salinity and Water Quality (NAP)
- National Water Commission
- National Water Initiative
- Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards (WELS) Scheme
- Water for a Healthy Country Flagship
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