The Lake Eyre Basin Intergovernmental Agreement

The Lake Eyre Basin covers about 1.2 million square kilometres, almost one-sixth of Australia, and is one of the world's largest internally draining river systems. The arid rivers of the Basin also rank among the world's last unregulated dryland rivers, and are home to a 'boom-and-bust' ecology adapted to enormously variable flow conditions. The Basin supports a range of nationally important natural, social and economic values. More about the Lake Eyre Basin

The Lake Eyre Basin Intergovernmental Agreement (the Agreement) is a joint undertaking of the Australian, Queensland, South Australian and Northern Territory Governments, in close communication with the Basin community and with the assistance of world class scientific and technical advice. The purpose of the Agreement is to ensure the sustainability of the Lake Eyre Basin river systems, in particular to avoid or eliminate cross-border impacts.

The Agreement established the Lake Eyre Basin Ministerial Forum, comprising the Australian Government Minister for Climate Change and Water (as Chair), the Queensland Minister for Natural Resources and Water, the South Australian Minister for Environment and Conservation, and the Northern Territory Minister for Natural Resources, Environment and Heritage. The Ministerial Forum is the decision making body responsible for overseeing the implementation of the Lake Eyre Basin Intergovernmental Agreement.

The Ministerial Forum has established a Community Advisory Committee to provide community advice on implementation of the Agreement, and to ensure continuing community participation in the Agreement. The Ministerial Forum has also established a Scientific Advisory Panel to advise on scientific and technical issues related to the sustainable management of the Basin.

The Lake Eyre Basin Intergovernmental Agreement is supported by a Secretariat located in the Australian Government Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts in Canberra, and by a [Community Advisory Committee Facilitator] located in Longreach, Queensland.

Review of the Lake Eyre Basin Intergovernmental Agreement

The Lake Eyre Basin Intergovernmental Agreement (Part 10) requires that the Lake Eyre Basin Ministerial Forum cause a review of the operation of the Agreement.

The review, conducted by URS Australia, was completed in 2007. The report is currently being considered by the Lake Eyre Basin Ministerial Forum.

Background information on the Review is at: