Delivering water in the Murray system has always been challenging. Water is released from water storages and travels long distances to where it is used along the length of the Murray River. Although shortfalls in the Murray below Barmah have been rare, the risk of a shortfall is increasing. The Victorian Government recognises the importance of having a plan in place to ensure the response to a shortfall event is coordinated and effective and limits the impacts on water users and the community.

The first Victorian Murray Shortfall Response Plan was published in 2022. It provided confidence and transparency in the process of managing shortfall events to Victorian water users and the community.

The plan has been updated in 2026 to reflect changes following the introduction of the ‘place of take approvals’ framework in November 2023. It also includes improved processes developed between DEECA, relevant rural water corporations and agencies.

The plan is used by the Victorian Government and agencies within the water sector with a role in the management of shortfall events. As an operational document it is subject to regular updates and will be amended over time.

Victorian Murray Shortfall Response Plan (April 2026) (PDF, 815 kb)

Further information is available to help Victorian water users better understand delivery risks and shortfalls in the Murray River downstream of Barmah. The links below cover a range of topics including information on preparing for, understanding, and managing shortfall events:

Learn more about Murray River delivery risks and shortfalls.

Learn more about Victoria’s new approach to water delivery entitlements.

More information about the work the River Murray governments are doing to better understand and manage delivery risks and shortfalls is available on the Murray-Darling Basin Authority website.