Water for the Future

Water for the environment

Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder

Wetland in poor condition as reflected by acid sulphate soils and dead River Red Gums

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.

The total amount of water available for use will depend on outcomes of the purchase program and seasonal water allocations. Volumes of water currently held by the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder are published periodically on the website. For more information see:

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.

Prior to the implementation of the environmental watering plan, the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder will deliver water to protect or restore important environmental sites.

A panel of scientific experts has been appointed to advise the Australian Government on the use of water purchased. The Environmental Water Scientific Advisory Committee comprises seven prominent scientists in fields such as hydrology, limnology, river and floodplain ecology and the management of aquatic ecosystems.

Committee members will provide advice on:

For more information about the committee see:

The Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder will work cooperatively with other holders of environmental water to maximise the benefits to the environment.

Wetland in poor condition as reflected by acid sulphate soils and dead River Red Gums

River Murray wetlands, Albury, NSW.

Photo Trevor J Ierino

Further information on the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder

If your queries are not covered by the above, you can also call 1800 218 478 or send an email to: cewh@environment.gov.au.

See also

Key

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