New allegations River Murray water stolen by upstream irrigators in NSW and Queensland

FRESH allegations of water theft violations of the historic agreement to save the River Murray have surfaced, raising deepening concerns with its overall management.

• State Government refuses to endorse part of Murray Darling Basin Plan

FRESH allegations of water theft violations of the historic agreement to save the River Murray have surfaced, raising deepening concerns with its overall management.

The Murray Darling Basin Authority published a register of claims, highlighting four new incidents since October, including one of water theft in Queensland and another of a NSW property disconnecting all recording devices.

The allegations follow the exposure of water theft claims in July, which prompted a call from Premier Jay Weatherill to establish a royal commission after the Turnbull Government rejected a national judicial inquiry.

SA Water Minister Ian Hunter said the “escalating” allegations underscore the state’s argument.

“There is a genuine problem with the Murray Darling Basin Plan,” he said.

“Our royal commission will have wide ranging powers to investigate breaches with the aim of ensuring that all Basin states not only comply with the Plan but also make beneficial use of our precious river resource.”

It comes as the NSW Government has told The Advertiser it remained committed to delivering a “balanced” Murray Darling Basin Plan.

A spokeswoman for NSW Water Minister Niall Blair said the state’s progress on the water resource plans and SA’s demands funding be withheld would be discussed at a national meeting on Tuesday.

“I encourage all other jurisdictions attending to work constructively with us and the Federal Government to progress the Basin Plan,” the spokeswoman said.

Following the allegations which surfaced in July the MDBA conducted a compliance review and the online register of claims was one result of that work.

MDBA compliance chief Russell James said the online register provides a public report on the handling and progress of compliance matters reported to the authority.

The register is now live on MDBA website.