Yesterday the Murray–Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) released its assessment of a package of projects nominated by Basin state governments which aim to use water more efficiently whilst achieving the environmental outcomes sought in the Murray–Darling Basin Plan.
The MDBA has determined that 605 gigalitres can be achieved through implementing the nominated projects which, if approved, would result in an adjustment to the sustainable diversion limits in the southern Basin.
MDBA Executive Director Environmental Management, Carl Binning, said the projects include new infrastructure to enable river managers to get water to important environmental sites such as Red Gum and Black Box floodplains communities.
“Projects will also implement changes to the rules that govern river operations to allow water for the environment to be more effectively managed,” Mr Binning said.
“Should the projects be implemented, this would mean more water can remain in the system for other users, including households and industry, and no further water recovery will be required in the southern Basin.
“The Basin Plan also allows for up to a further 450 gigalitres of water to be made available to the environment through improved water use efficiency. Efficiency projects must be implemented by 2024 and have neutral or better socio-economic outcomes.
“Today we invite interested members of the public to provide feedback on the assessment. We will review all feedback and use this to finalise our assessment and advice, which will be provided to the Commonwealth water minister by 15 December 2017.
“This is just the start of the process. Basin state governments have until 2024 to complete the projects, and have committed to working with communities, industries and water experts on further progressing project design and implementation.
“In addition to providing the Commonwealth water minister the advice, the MDBA will provide Basin state governments project-specific feedback received public comment period. This feedback will help to strengthen the design and implementation of the projects.
“We are five years into implementing the Basin Plan since it was signed in 2012.
“The Plan is a historic agreement between State and Commonwealth Governments, setting a clear pathway to 2024 to restore the health of river. The Plan is on track and today ‘s assessment is another key milestone achieved.”
More information on the assessment and how to provide feedback is available on the MDBA website.