South Australia

South Australia We will develop tools for water allocation planning in the River Murray Prescribed Watercourse (covering the River Murray and other associated watercourses).

The plan area stretches along the river channel from the Victorian border down to and including Lakes Alexandrina and Albert. The current Water Allocation Plan for the River Murray Prescribed Watercourse was adopted in 2002. Following a recent review, a new draft plan is currently being developed.

The new plan will provide a decision-making framework for the issuing of entitlements, allocations, site use approvals and other approvals, as well as monitoring and management requirements for water users. Protection of important environmental assets and water for the environment are also key components of the proposed draft plan.

Due to the vast geographic region and large population of water users covered by the draft plan, there are various considerations to be addressed during its development including social and economic impacts and the environmental consequences of water entitlements, allocations and use.

The new draft plan will provide for the long-term management of the water resource. It is anticipated that the new plan will be finalised in 2010.