Victoria has released a new independent report by WSP, updating estimates of water availability and perennial horticulture demands in the southern Murray-Darling Basin.

The updated report has been developed in close collaboration with the New South Wales and South Australian governments, the Murray-Darling Basin Authority, and industry experts to provide an up-to-date understanding of how horticultural water demands are changing. The new report builds on analysis released in 2019, 2020 and 2022 and provides a greater level of confidence in the projected demand estimates through improved data accuracy.

The report finds that there remains a risk of water shortfalls; this is particularly significant in both extreme and moderately dry conditions. Water users should remain mindful of increasing water competition, especially in the lower Murray.

 Water supply and demand in the southern basin – 2025 update (PDF, 2.5 MB)

 Water supply and demand in the southern basin – 2025 update (flyer) (PDF, 345 kb)

Public Webinar hosted by Agriculture Victoria 

Water supply and demand in the Southern Murray Darling Basin (2025 update)

Register on Zoom

Thursday 9 April 2026

12:00–1:00PM.  

Previous reports

Previous reports are available here.