The Murray-Darling Basin Ministerial Council established The Living Murray Initiative in 2002 in response to substantial evidence that the health of the River Murray system was in decline.

The Council’s concern was that the decline would threaten the Basin’s industries, communities, and natural and cultural values.

In November 2003, the Council decided on a ‘First Step’ for The Living Murray, with a focus on achieving environmental benefits for six significant ecological assets through the recovery of up to 500 gigalitres over five years.

The six icon sites are:

• Barmah-Millewa Forest
• Gunbower and Koondrook-Perricoota Forests
• Hattah Lakes
• Chowilla Floodplain (including Lindsay and Wallpolla Islands)
• Murray Mouth, Coorong and Lower Lakes
• River Murray channel.

Actions

Actions being taken as part of the First Step include:

• Water Recovery
• Environmental Delivery
• Environmental Works and Measures
• Indigenous Partnerships
• Community Consultation.

As of 30 June 2009, Victoria has met its target investment under The Living Murray program of $115 million and is on track to meet its water recovery target for the program of 214GL. So far 124GL has been sourced.  The remaining 90GL will be delivered when corresponding projects are completed this year.

More than 95 per cent of Victoria's Living Murray contributions come from irrigation modernisation projects, which also provide substantial social and economic benefits to the surrounding areas. Less than 5 per cent of the contribution will be recovered through purchase programs.

Projects

Victoria’s water recovery projects under The Living Murray include:

• upgrading irrigation infrastructure in the Goulburn Murray Irrigation District and associated regulatory reform
• the decommissioning of Lake Mokoan
• upgrading irrigation channels in the Shepparton Irrigation District
• Murray-Darling Basin Authority initiated water purchase within Victoria makes up the remaining amount (water sourced from Victoria from these projects is counted against Victoria’s target).
  

For more information about the Living Murray, including a detailed description of Victoria's water recovery projects and recovered amounts, visit the MDBA website.