Groundwater trading in Australia: A preliminary analysis and research agenda

The implementation of comprehensive systems of water allocations has opened the way for water trading in Australia. While surface water trading has received significant attention, trade in groundwater has taken a back seat, this must change. Greater than 30 per cent of Australia's groundwater systems are approaching or beyond sustainable extraction limits and groundwater trading stands to facilitate the management of these finite water resources. It is therefore imperative that correct controls and procedures be developed to ensure such trade is administered effectively and with due consideration to the physical, social and environmental constraints shaping sustainable groundwater supply.