The MDBA today wrote to the minister to propose a reduction to the water recovery target in the Southern Basin. This requires a change to the Basin Plan under the Water Act and is based on an assessment of the environmental benefits that could be achieved through a package of projects nominated and led by Basin state governments that save water.
The projects nominated by state governments will achieve environmental outcomes through improved river operations and infrastructure that allow water to be delivered in better ways to support water dependent ecosystems.
Delivering for the environment with less water means more water can remain in the system for other users, including households, industry and irrigated agriculture.
The MDBA’s assessment determined that 605 GL of water can remain available for communities through these projects. This is a key step in implementing the Basin Plan.
It also means no further water recovery in the southern Basin is needed to meet the Sustainable Diversion Limits set under the Basin Plan, subject to existing water recovery contracts being delivered.
The 605 GL adjustment recommended by the Authority follows an extensive consultation process which culminated with all states agreeing to the 36 measures notified in June this year.
The Adjustment Mechanism also requires that up to 450 GL of water for the environment is secured through water-use efficiency measures. These measures must be implemented in a way that has neutral social and economic impacts. Governments are currently considering the best way to deliver efficiency measures up to the Basin Plan deadline of 2024.
The MDBA has also published a report reflecting on the 3185 submissions received during the public feedback period from 3 October 2017 to 3 November 2017.
Many comments in the submissions asked for more information about individual projects. The Authority has recommended and called on all governments to improve opportunities for community consultation and engagement on all Sustainable Diversion Limit projects during the design, construction and implementation phase of the program between now and 2024.
All feedback received during the public consultation period has been passed onto Basin state governments, which are responsible for delivering the projects, including consulting with communities on detailed design and implementation.
The minister will now decide whether to adopt the amendment instrument. If adopted, the amendment will be tabled in parliament as a disallowable instrument.
More information about the Adjustment Mechanism Draft Determination is available at mdba.gov.au/SDLAM.
A meeting communique outlining the Authority's decision to put forward the amendment is available at www.mdba.gov.au/publications/governance/authority-communiques.
ENDS
For more information, contact the MDBA Media office at media@mdba.gov.au or 02 6279 0141
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