Murray Darling Basin Plan faces its toughest test
On Tuesday, South Australia will meet with the other states over the future of the Murray Darling Basin Plan — and it could be one of the biggest days in its history. This is what you can expect.
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The plan aimed at protecting Australia’s largest river system will on Tuesday face one of its toughest tests when feuding ministers meet in Brisbane.
South Australia’s Environment Minister David Speirs will argue for the basin states to stay the course with the Murray Darling Basin Plan because it is in the nation’s interest to do so.
New South Wales Water Minister Melinda Pavey has fired a shot across the bow on the eve of the meeting, saying enough water has flowed from the river out to sea in the past three months to support regional NSW for a year.
Ms Pavey, and NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro, have repeatedly threatened to exit the basin plan unless other states agree NSW does not have to contribute any water to recover 450 gigalitres for the health of the system.
Mr Speirs told The Advertiser the plan is critical in striking the balance between delivering water to communities that rely on the river and keeping our natural environment alive.
“There is no doubt that without the plan those along the river from New South Wales down to South Australia would be worse off,” Mr Speirs said. “What’s needed more than ever is mature, balanced leadership to deliver what has been agreed.
“Blowing up the plan will cost communities, the environment and farmers and importantly, it will not deliver a single extra drop of water.”
Under the plan, delivering the 450GL of environmental water triggers a Commonwealth-funded infrastructure program that will help to save 605GL of water that will mainly benefit upstream states.
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The water can be used by communities for irrigation or drinking water.
Federal Agriculture Minister David Littleproud has warned if states walk away from the plan the only way to deliver both sets of water will be to implement buybacks – a process that is expected to do more harm than good to New South Wales.
Ms Pavey, pictured, yesterday said drought gripping her state should be prioritised.
“The Commonwealth government needs to recognise that this plan must be equitable to all Murray Darling Basin states, rather than hide behind the notion of needing to be all things to all people,” she said.
Centre Alliance Senator Rex Patrick said that there were some issues with the plan but it needed to stay in place.
“The plan does need adjustment, but it would be foolish to abandon it,” he told The Advertiser. “The South Australian Water Minister must hold firm against NSW’s proposed changes, which are beneficial to NSW only and not the nation.”
Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said Mr Speirs needed to adopt both a carrot and stick approach at the meeting.
“Premier Steven Marshall should press pause on the 100GL gifted by SA (via the desal plant) until NSW is prepared to play fairly and in interests of everyone, up and downstream,” she said.
Opposition water spokeswoman Susan Close said that although the plan had its flaws, ditching it or starting again would be worse for the basin and those who depend on it.