Four more regions in the Murray-Darling Basin have had their water resource plans approved.
The Minister for Water Resources David Littleproud said the Queensland Border Rivers-Moonie, Condamine-Balonne and Wimmera-Mallee surface water and groundwater water resource plans now have formal accreditation.
“This work is to make sure everyone plays by the same rules,” Minister Littleproud said.
“Completing these plans will give everyone in the Basin greater confidence in system.
“They set new rules in specific regions on how water is used, how much water can be taken from the river and clarifies annual limits.
“Communities want to know these plans stack up and will deliver what they need.
“These plans represent a major milestone in the delivery of the Basin Plan.
“I congratulate Queensland, South Australia, Victoria and the ACT who have submitted all their Water Resource Plans for approval.
“It’s important we get the remaining plans in place to help restore a healthy river.”
Fast Facts:
- Six of 33 water resource plans under the Basin Plan have been accredited.
- Basin governments are responsible for developing the plans.
- Water resource plans:
- Set rules for how water is used in specific Basin regions.
- Set limits on how much water can be taken from the Basin.
- Determine how water quality standards can be met.
- Increase water-use efficiency in the Murray-Darling Basin system.
- Account for Aboriginal values and uses.
- Protect farmers in the Basin who provides 40 per cent of Australia’s food and fibre.
