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Abstract
Bid prices for the demand and supply of water allocations between 2001 and 2007, and
average monthly prices paid for water allocations from 1997 to 2007 in the Goulburn–
Murray Irrigation District are analysed to estimate price elasticities. Based on bid
prices, the price elasticity of demand for water allocations appears highly elastic, with
elasticities strongly influenced by the season and drought. The price elasticity of supply
for water allocations is also elastic, albeit less elastic than demand. Using actual prices
paid, water demand is negatively related to price and is inelastic, and appears to be
most influenced by demand the previous month, drought and seasonality factors.