The Murray–Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) has recommended an adjustment of 605 gigalitres (GL) to the Sustainable Diversion Limits in the southern Basin.
The MDBA based the recommendation on an assessment of the environmental benefits that could be achieved through a package of projects nominated and led by Basin state governments to save water.
“It means no further water recovery in the southern Basin is needed to meet the SDL’s set under the Basin Plan, subject to existing water recovery contracts being delivered,” a spokeswoman said.
The projects nominated by state governments would achieve environmental outcomes through improved river operations and infrastructure, allowing 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,” a spokeswoman said.
The MDBA’s assessment determined 605GL of water could remain available for communities. “This is a key step in implementing the Basin Plan,” the spokeswoman said.
It also meant no further water recovery in the southern Basin was needed to meet the SDL’s set under the Basin Plan, subject to existing water recovery contracts being delivered.
The ajustment recommended by the Authority followed an extensive consultation process which culminated with all states agreeing to the 36 measures notified in June this year.
The Adjustment Mechanism also required up to 450 GL of water for the environment would be secured through water-use efficiency measures.