The Murray–Darling system has been over-allocated for years, and there is simply not enough water to satisfy every user and still protect the river environment. This article sets out the core facts: why the numbers matter, why difficult decisions cannot be avoided, and why better technology and balanced policy are essential. Water belongs to Australians, and transparent data is the starting point for fair, sustainable management.
Secure Water – the Facts
There is simply not enough water in the Murray–Darling system to satisfy all users. The system has been grossly over allocated.
Water and Salt Balances Should Be Public
I have compiled figures that are available in the public domain and combined them into a complete water and salt balance. I then forwarded this material to our Governments, requesting confirmation or correction.
To date, Governments have refused to comment. Why? These figures are crucial to managing our rivers. If the numbers are wrong, they should be corrected. If the numbers are right, they should be acknowledged. Either way, the public deserves clarity on the true facts.
Stop Procrastinating: Over-Allocation Is Real
It is no good procrastinating. There is an over allocation of water. It does not matter whose fault it is. The practical reality is that there is simply not enough water in the river system to deliver everything that has been promised or assumed.
This means decisions—however tough—must be taken. Avoiding decisions does not make the problem smaller. It makes the adjustment later more abrupt, more costly, and more damaging to both communities and the environment.
Research Has Been Done, But Action Has Not Followed
Almost a decade ago, I set up a highly qualified independent research organisation to undertake long-term strategic research into more effective ways of using our water.
This has been a major research effort—around 80 man-years of work. I have contributed over five million dollars of my own money because I believe water is our second most crucial asset (after our people).
New water-saving technologies have been developed. Reports covering both technical and policy issues have been submitted to Governments.
Technology Alone Is Not Enough
Research is not enough. We need Government policies that help irrigators use water better while also ensuring adequate environmental flows.
Water efficiency does not happen at scale by wishing it so. It requires clear implementation pathways, incentives that align with outcomes, and rules that support adoption of better methods—without leaving irrigators stranded during the transition.
Why the Reports Have Been Ignored
These reports are a constructive contribution to water management. They do not shy away from the hard facts, and they discuss the changes needed to improve outcomes.
However, hard facts can be uncomfortable. They can also be wrongly misinterpreted as an attack on past Government actions. To date, Governments have buried their heads in the sand, refusing to enter into any discussions on these water-saving technologies and the policies needed to implement them.
Water Belongs to the People
Ultimately, water belongs to the people of Australia. We entrust Governments to manage it prudently for the benefit of the public.
It is in the interest of all Australians that we protect the environment and maintain a sustainable and efficient irrigation industry. We can only do this if we use the best available technology and adopt sensible, well-balanced water policies.
This is not happening at the level or pace required.
A Call to Read, Think, and Speak Up
I urge fellow Australians to read these reports, available as free downloads, and make their views known to political representatives at both State and Federal level, and through the media.
Good water management depends on informed citizens, transparent data, and the willingness to make hard decisions early—before the river system forces those decisions upon us.
