Water resources

Government action

Government action

Murray River mouth dredging operations

Murray River mouth dredging operations

Photo John Baker

The Australian Government Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts is working to facilitate the conservation and sustainable management of freshwater resources by progressing the development and implementation of Australia's water-related environment policy.

National Water Initiative

The National Water Initiative (NWI), agreed in 2004 by the Council of Australian Governments, is the national blueprint for water reform. Implementation of the NWI is assisted by the national water plan, water for the Future and the $2 billion Australian Government Water Fund. The NWI is monitored by the National Water Commission.

River

Water Entitlement Purchasing Program for the Murray-Darling Basin

The Minister for Climate Change and Water has announced a commitment of $50 million for the Australian Government purchase of water entitlements in the Murray-Darling Basin. This will help reduce the extent of overuse of water resources in the Basin, which will provide more water for the environment.

Other initiatives and policies

Other Australian Government water-related initiatives and policies include:

Key

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