Current data obtained by FWU from the Murray-Darling Basin Commission and relevant State water authorities reveal that around 4,000 gigalitres of water is currently held in public storage in the Murray-Darling Basin: including Menindee: 510 gl; Dartmouth: 730 gl; Hume: 620 gl; Eildon: 562 gl; Burrunjuck: 450 gl; Blowering: 650  gl. This total is increasing following recent, but by no means drought-breaking, rains in south-eastern Australia.

The volume currently impounded by private enterprise is estimated at 1,000 gigalitres (predominantly in the upper Darling catchment).

We are advised that the Federal Government has the constitutional authority to assume control of Murray-Darling water, including this total of around 5000 gigalitres currently impounded. It is therefore not unreasonable to ask Senator Wong why she has made no decisive moves to acquire the 1,500 gigalitres that the CSIRO tells us is urgently required by the system if it is to be given a reasonable chance of restoration.