MDBC acting chief executive Les Roberts said the publication is an important step forward drawing together important basin wide economic, social and natural resource information.

“The new report will increase awareness and knowledge of the basin by drawing together the latest available statistical data that would normally be dispersed throughout different areas of the ABS,” Mr Roberts said.

“The report is truly impressive and, during this difficult time of extended drought conditions, will be a valuable source of information for managers, growers, administrators, teachers, scholars and others throughout the basin and beyond.”

Water and the Murray-Darling Basin - A Statistical Profile (2000-01 to 2005-06) presents a range of water, social, environmental and economic statistics relating to the Murray-Darling Basin.

The project was developed in consultation with the MDBC and following public demand identified by the ABS for basin statistics, particularly water information.

The publication covers basin statistics on:

• climate

• water availability

• water consumption

• agricultural production

• gross value of irrigated agricultural production

• population

• employment

• social characteristics and

• natural resource management.

The Murray-Darling Basin produces a high proportion of Australia's agricultural production and uses about two-thirds of the water for agriculture in Australia.

About two million Australians live in the basin.

People employed in the basin work mainly in retail, health, government and agriculture.

The region is environmentally significant with about 30 internationally recognised wetlands, red gum forests, and unique flora and fauna.

* For a copy of the new publication, go to www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/mf/4610.0.55.007