The Living Murray is Australia’s most significant river restoration program. It aims to achieve a healthy working River Murray system for the benefit of all Australians. This includes returning water to the River’s environment. The Living Murray program was established in 2002 in response to evidence showing the declining health of the River Murray system. It is a partnership of the Australian, NSW, Victorian, South Australian and ACT governments.
The program’s first step will be implemented from 2004–09 and focuses on recovering 500 gigalitres of water for the River Murray specifically for the benefit of plants, animals and the millions of Australians it supports, along with improving the environment at six icon sites.
The River Murray is currently experiencing its lowest in-flows on record and periods of drought need to be considered in delivering The Living Murray program.
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