National Irrigators Council CEO, Steve Whan, has expressed cautious optimism about the Murray Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) assessment of Sustainable Diversion Limit (SDL) adjustment measures.

SDL adjustment measures are designed to produce equal or better environmental outcomes without reducing reliability of supply to Murray Darling Basin water users. They are a key component of the basin plan agreed in 2012.

The MDBA has taken another step on the process by releasing its assessment of the savings that can be achieved from the projects proposed by the basin state governments.

Steve Whan said “based on the assurance that the 605 GL projected saving means no more water needs to be recovered, then this is a very welcome step.

“It is important to remember that there is a long way to go on the planning and consultation on these projects, but the legislation requires this step to be taken with an overall estimate that will be verified when the projects are in place.

“Locking the overall SDL amount into the plan is a vital step in giving irrigation communities confidence in the future.

“There may still be many questions about the detail of projects but there is plenty of time to deal with those, during the years they will take to plan and put in place.

“Anyone who wants to see the basin plan succeed should welcome this announcement along with taking the opportunity to comment and provide feedback for State Governments on issues they need to consider in planning.”

Media Contact : Steve Whan 0429 780 883
Wednesday 4 October 2017