Murray–Darling Basin: Outlook for 2018 Account
as at 1 June 2018
Below-average rainfall conditions were experienced across most of the Murray–Darling Basin region during the first 11 months of the 2017–18 year. This is likely to contribute to a decrease in end of year storage, following the large increase in 2016–17. Water use is likely to be similar to last year.
For further information on the expected inflows and future commitments for the region during the 2017–18 year scroll down this page.
Future prospects
Figure S17 Water outlook for the Murray–Darling Basin region for 2017–18
- There is a surplus of available water assets and future water rights over water liabilities and future water commitments that are expected to be settled within 12 months of the reporting date.
Expected inflows
Figure S18 Rainfall deciles for the Murray–Darling Basin region from July 2017–May 2018
- Rainfall during the first 11 months of the 2017–18 year (July–May) was below-average across most of the region. Storages were 42% full at 1 June 2018 compared to 66% full at the same time last year.
- According to the Bureau of Meteorology's climate outlook (issued 31 May 2018), below-average pressure over the Tasman Sea, associated with warmer ocean temperatures, are likely to weaken the westerlies that bring rain systems to southeast Australia during the winter months. This means the region is likely to experience below-average rainfall in June 2018.
- Rainfall for 2017–18 is expected to be below average, therefore, inflows for 2017–18 are likely to be less than the 2016–17 year.
Future commitments
- It is likely that water use will be similar to the 2016–17 year.