Water for agriculture
Australians consumed almost 19 000 gigalitres (GL) of water in 2004-05. Around 65 per cent of this was used for agriculture, a further 11 per cent for urban uses and 12 per cent for industrial uses.
Water is crucial to Australia's natural and economic wealth. It is the basis of our agricultural industry - one of Australia's largest industries.
- in 2004/05 the gross value of Australia's total agriculture production was $35.6 billion
- irrigated agriculture land comprised 0.5% of all agricultural land in 2004-05, but at $9 billion, the gross value of irrigated agriculture production represented 25% of the total gross value of agricultural production.
The Murray-Darling Basin is Australia's most important agricultural region.
- the Murray-Darling Basin accounts for more than 40% of the nation's gross value of agricultural production
- about 85 per cent of all irrigation in Australia takes place in the Murray-Darling Basin
Australian Government action
The Australian Government recognises that efficient and more productive water use will become increasingly important over the coming decades as increasing water pressures impact upon the continued stability of Australia's rural sector, urban communities and the nation's economic well-being. The Australian Government is determined to continue increasing efficiency in water use and implementing reforms to achieve this national objective.
The national water plan, Water for the Future, aims to modernise irrigation infrastructure to save water, increase efficiency of water use and improve the sustainability of irrigated agriculture. This will lead to more efficient, productive and profitable use of water with a view to maintain the value of irrigated production in the face of declining water availability.
In 2006-07, irrigators in the Murray-Darling Basin were surveyed to develop a snapshot of their financial outcomes, on-farm irrigation infrastructure, water trading practices and their intentions in relation to expansion or contraction of irrigation areas. The survey results show a wide variability in financial performance across irrigation farms between regions and between industries.
Water trading — fair trading rights and obligations for irrigators, brokers and exchanges
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has issued three publications to assist irrigators, water brokers and water exchanges to understand their rights and responsibilities under the Trade Practices Act 1974.
See also
- Australian Water Resources 2005
- Council of Australian Governments' Water Reform Framework
- Lake Eyre Basin Agreement
- Living Murray Initiative
- Meteorological information for primary industry and natural resources management
- Murray-Darling Basin Authority
- National Framework for Improved Groundwater Management in Australia
- National Principles for the Provision of Water for Ecosystems
- National Water Initiative
Key
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