Water Policy Reform in Victoria - A Regional Perspective

This paper summarises the development of regional models to represent the Goulburn Murray Irrigation System (GMS) of northern Victoria. The models simulate the ability of farms to adapt to water policy reforms subject to biophysical and land constraints. Focus is given to current water property right structures and the impact these have on optimisation of demand for water. Derived demand curves are modelled for 14 Victorian irrigation regions which are used in a spatial model of the Goulburn Murray Irrigation System. Finally a discussion is provided on the future issues arising from water policy reform.