Client: Department of Sustainability and Environment
The Western Region Sustainable Water Strategy is being developed to provide a framework for the future management of water resources in western Victoria. The region is facing finite or declining water resources together with increased demand for water. Trade is a measure that can help with reallocation of water between uses.
DG Consulting was engaged by DSE to bring its extensive knowledge of water markets and trade issues developed in the southern MDB and analyse the situation in western Victoria and propose options for enhancing trade.
The western region has a number of characteristics that influence trade. Five main trade sectors were indentified, covering the Wimmera Mallee Pipeline, Wimmera Irrigation Area, unregulated streams, groundwater and urban systems. Each of these sectors was analysed, current trade data reviewed and options for developing trade and water markets identified.
The outcomes of this study were also presented to the Consultative Committee overseeing development of the Strategy and a range of the proposed measures have been included in the draft Western Region Sustainable Water Strategy which is now out for public consultation.