Australia is in the midst of a “once in a thousand year” drought, as John Howard has called the national situation.  Feeding the Eastern states is the Murray-Darling River Basin and federal government has proposed a $10 billion plan for Federal control of the river system. 

Problem is the State of Victoria isn’t buying.  They refuse to cede control arguing that state’s rights are infringed and the federal plan is rushed.

This year we’re headed towards a federal election and the environment is a leading issue.  Drought, climate change, mineral exports, water management, whaling - all have been making daily headlines.

Today the states and federal government are meeting to decide the future of the Murray-Darling River system.  And given that a rain dance is not on the agenda they’ll debate management of a dwindling, precious resource. 

(Thanks to iStock Photo for the incredible image - it’s copyright free for small-scale circulation.)