Supporting Sustainable Water Management: Insights from Australia’s Reform Journey and Future Directions for the Murray–Darling Basin

Maureen Papas

doi:10.3390/w10111649

Abstract

Effective regulation of freshwater remains one of the biggest challenges facing our societies. In times of record-breaking weather extremes spurred by a changing climate, decision makers are increasingly aware of the need to formulate more effective governance to ensure the reliability, accessibility, and quality of this life-giving resource. In recent years, the Australian government has played a key role in water management. The government has managed a significant amount of water entitlements in the Murray–Darling Basin (MDB), through its Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder (CEWH) agency, in a bid to increase river flows and thus improve the river system’s environmental and ecological conditions. The CEWH is unique in many respects, and the Australian government’s control of its budget and actions is a critical aspect of the Basin’s sustainable long-term management. Despite the importance of this instrument, this article points out that there are serious issues with the current governance arrangements, such as inherent conflicts in the Murray–Darling Basin Authority’s (MDBA) role, which is a concern raised by the Productivity Commission. This article goes on to recommend the policy changes required to address Basin-wide issues and promote sustainable practices to ensure the MDB’s long-term resilience.

Highlights

Given humanity’s dependency on water, equitable allocation of this life-giving resource is essential.Central to this goal is the need to optimize water usage [1] and provide frameworks for the efficient management of particular water systems
Basin Authority’s (MDBA) role, which is a concern raised by the Productivity Commission
At a time when there is ample evidence that global climate change poses an urgent and serious threat to life on earth [12], and that Australia will experience more heat spells, extended dry periods, fiercer bushfires, and less water [13], a comprehensive, supportive, and effective water allocation framework is of critical importance [14]

Summary

Introduction

Given humanity’s dependency on water, equitable allocation of this life-giving resource is essential. The report goes on to cite management of the Murray–Darling Basin (MDB) river in Australia as an innovative response to extreme weather events and climate change. These factors are linked to the evolution of water law and policy in the basin, and highlight the evolving role of the federal government in water management, along with changes in how water resources are perceived and valued. The Production Commission recommends splitting the Murray–Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) into two separate bodies, with a regulator appointed to assess state compliance This is a compelling idea, since any large-scale regulatory system requires constant oversight to monitor progress and a rigor that has so far been profoundly lacking. The changes required will necessitate the effective cooperation of all stakeholders and the necessary will to succeed

Water Resources Management in Australia: A Brief Background

A New Water Allocation Framework for the MDB

The Murray–Darling Basin Plan

Next Phase of the Reform

Findings

Conclusions