Water programs in the Murray-Darling Basin

​Water Efficiency Program

The Water Efficiency Program funds urban, industrial, off-farm, on-farm and metering infrastructure projects across the Murray-Darling Basin.  Water savings from these projects will contribute to ‘bridge the gap’ to the sustainable diversion limits and the 450 GL of efficiency measures required under the Basin Plan with neutral or positive social and economic impacts. See Water Efficiency Program for details.​

Sustainable Rural Water Use and Infrastructure Program

The Sustainable Rural Water Use and Infrastructure Program (SRWUIP) is a national program investing in rural water use, management and efficiency, including improved water knowledge and market reform, and water purchase for the environment. SRWUIP is the key mechanism to ‘bridge the gap’ to the sustainable diversion limits under the Murray Darling Basin Plan. See Sustainable Rural Water Use and Infrastructure Program for details.

South Australian River Murray Sustainability Program

The Australian Government has committed funding of up to $265 million, under two National Partnership Agreements, to the South Australian Government to undertake delivery of the program. Copies of the National Partnership Agreements are located via: Standing Council on Federal Financial Relations.

The South Australian River Murray Sustainability Program is administered by the South Australian Department of Primary Industries and Regions. The program aims to increase the efficiency and productivity of South Australian businesses, and secure and return 36 GL of long-term annual average yield ‘gap bridging’ water to the Commonwealth for environmental water use.

The program provides:

  • $80 million for irrigation efficiency improvements
  • $40 million for a South Australian water purchase program
  • $120 million for irrigation industry assistance
  • $25 million for regional economic development.

All enquiries about the program should be directed to the South Australian Department of Primary Industries and Regions. See South Australian River Murray Sustainability Irrigation Industry Improvement Program for details.

Regional water programs

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