IRRIGATORS in the southern basin may soon be able to breathe a sigh of relief.
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The Murray–Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) has released its assessment of a package of projects nominated by state governments, which aim to use water more efficiently, while achieving the environmental outcomes sought in the Murray–Darling Basin Plan.
The MDBA has determined 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.
Ricegrowers’ Association of Australia (RGA) president Jeremy Morton has called on the federal government to allow the recommended adjustment to occur.
“When the Basin Plan was legislated it was agreed each state would bring forward projects that would achieve environmental outcomes without the need to recover up to 650 GL of water,”he said.
“While the announcement is an important milestone in the implementation of the Basin Plan it is just the beginning for these projects.
“The challenge is for the projects to be delivered in a way that truly applies the triple bottom line principle on which the plan is supposedly built.
“RGA will not accept adverse social and economic impacts from these projects and we look forward to working with the NSW and federal governments and the MDBA to ensure projects maximise environmental outcomes with no social and economic impact.”
While the RGA did have some reservations, so too did NSW Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Water, Niall Blair.
“To avoid any further water purchases in southern NSW, it is important to maximise the water recovery offset achieved through the adjustment mechanism,” Mr Blair said.
“This is why I have advocated for the full 650 GL water recovery offset allowed through the adjustment mechanism, rather than the draft determination of 605 GL released by the MDBA.
“While the MDBA has said no further water recovery is required in NSW southern valleys, I am concerned the draft determination is a result of arbitrary deadlines set by Commonwealth legislation and does not provide sufficient time to provide the best possible outcome for NSW.
“Rather than being driven by deadlines, we need to be driven by outcomes and proper consultation.
“It is vital the SDL adjustment is maximised so NSW has the flexibility it needs in the event projects do not deliver the anticipated benefits.”
The MDBA is five years into implementing the plan.
More information on the assessment and how to provide feedback is available on the MDBA’s website.
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