In 2007, the VWT Advisory Council convened a workshop of leading water experts around Australia to consider the future success and sustainability of irrigated agriculture in the Southern Murray-Darling Basin in the face of the dramatic effects of climate change. The resulting report The future of irrigation in the Southern Murray-Darling Basin: A discussion paper was prepared to stimulate thinking and discussion regarding the future success and sustainability of irrigated agriculture in the Basin. This report considers the future of irrigated agricultural enterprises, and required responses in terms of irrigation infrastructure investment and industry development.

The report found that irrigated agriculture in the Southern Murray Darling Basin must meet very substantial challenges if it is to survive, including:

• the effects of climate change (that is, substantially less water, more irregular rainfall, and higher average temperatures), including potential changes in the geographical distribution of production
• global changes in agricultural production as a result of climate change and the power of large corporate buyers of agricultural produce
• supply side factors including technology, mechanisation and changes in transportation and distribution costs.
  

The report does not represent the views of the VWT Advisory Council, nor does it represent Government policy.

The Future of Irrigation in the Southern Murray-Darling Basin: A Discussion Paper (PDF~157kB)