Draft Basin Plan

The draft Basin Plan is legally referred to as the proposed Basin Plan.

There is widely held agreement that we need to change the way the Basin is managed.  Governments and communities all acknowledge that the Murray–Darling Basin must be returned to a healthy, working condition if it is to have a sustainable and productive economic future.

Our use of the water in the Basin has changed how the rivers flow.  These changes in volume and timing have led to increases in salinity, blue-green algal blooms and water quality degradation, while wetlands, red gum forests, native fish and water bird populations are decreasing.  All of these features are symptoms of overuse and they are what have led to the latest impetus for water reform.

We want a future for the Basin which is prosperous and vibrant.  We want a healthy economy, a healthy social fabric and a healthy environment for the Basin.  The shared vision is for a healthy working Basin.  This means that:

• Key environmental assets are protected and progressively improved, and there is adequate water to sustain their ecological resilience during periods of drought
• There is enough flow from the Basin to keep the River Murray mouth open to the sea in most years
• The river system transports salt and nutrients from the Basin to the sea
• Water quality is adequate to sustain key uses
• Food and fibre production across Basin communities continues to increase in quantity and value
• New investment is made in agriculture and other industries across the Basin
• An unconstrained and efficient water market facilitates free trading of water entitlements
• Self reliant communities are fully engaged in managing the well being of the Basin

Communities across the Basin recognise this challenge and have already made significant efforts to be more efficient with their water use and found water saving measures.

We are moving toward a Basin Plan that will seek balance, respect communities and allow for changes to be made over time - sensibly and with an understanding that the solution is not just about more water being sent down the river, but what you actually do with the water that’s available to you.

MDBA and state, territory and Commonwealth Ministers agree that an adaptive management approach to the Basin Plan will achieve the best outcomes.

This means giving time to Basin communities to identify ways to reduce the amount of water for consumptive use.  This may be through improved water efficiencies delivered by infrastructure.   It may be through constructing works which get the water to environmental assets more efficiently.  It may be through improving the rules we currently have for operating the rivers, or the way water is traded.

So with the release of the draft Basin Plan - it is a continuation of our conversation on what is best for the Basin.
We will put in place a managed transition to the new sustainable diversion limits – providing seven years to find additional water for the environment.

We aim to table the legislation in 2012 and then Basin Ministers have asked that the commencement dates for the sustainable diversion limits in all States be aligned to 2019.

This does not mean putting off action for seven years – it means starting tomorrow but it gives communities time to make the changes, time to adapt and manage the change.

The draft Basin Plan includes a stock take in 2015 to see how much water has been recovered.  A review of the proposed sustainable diversion limits, to re-examine any changes to river rules and operations, of any new works and measures, or any new scientific knowledge or information which would affect our numbers. 

If you want to play a part in the conversation go to “have your say” and let your views be known or alternatively you can call us on 1800 230067.

If you would like printed copies of draft Basin Plan documents, you may order through calling 1800 230 067.

View the four major publications

• The proposed Basin Plan – a draft for consultation
• Plain English summary of the proposed Basin Plan–including explanatory notes
• Delivering a healthy working Basin
• The draft Basin Plan -catchment by catchment.

View a video on the history of the Murray—Darling Basin