Basin Plan annual report 2015–16 Towards a healthy, working Murray–Darling Basin
Many of the outcomes sought by the Basin Plan will take decades to achieve. Nonetheless, some of the early effects are being observed. Here are some of outcomes seen in 2015–16, and in the second half of 2016.
Working together
Basin communities have a deep knowledge and understanding of their regions, as well as a strong interest in working towards a healthy and productive Murray–Darling Basin. Similarly, the Australian and Basin state governments have responsibilities to work together to implement a successful Basin Plan.
- New science, social and economic research and extensive community consultation was undertaken for the Northern Basin Review. This resulted in a proposal to reduce the water recovery target by 70 GL, provided governments commit to implementing a range of improvements to the way water is managed in the northern Basin.
- To limit the effects on communities, the government has continued to focus on water recovery through infrastructure projects rather than water purchases, which are now capped at 1,500 GL.
- Ongoing collaborative efforts to address salinity meant that five-yearly salinity targets were met at all sites, except in the Lower Darling due to continued low flows.
- Basin governments have proposed 37 projects in the southern Basin, designed to reduce water recovery while still achieving the equivalent environmental outcomes.
- After recognising delays in developing water resource plans, governments are improving processes to ensure they are completed by 1 July 2019.
- Increasing Aboriginal involvement in water resource planning and environmental watering is leading to better understanding and incorporation of Aboriginal knowledge and values.
- In late 2016, the MDBA began a pilot of six Regional Engagement Officers in the Basin to strengthen engagement with regional communities.
Basin communities and industries
Over three million people depend on the water resources of the Murray–Darling Basin. As well as supporting people, the Basin is home to a wide range of industries but particularly agriculture. The gross value of agricultural production in Basin in 2014–15 was $20.6 billion and 46% of Australia’s irrigated agricultural production came from the Basin.
- Modernising irrigation infrastructure continued to provide benefits to the irrigation sector and remains the preferred way to recover water for the environment.
- Some Basin communities continued to experience significant adverse economic effects from past water purchases.
- More than 90 small and large businesses, local governments and other organisations received over $65 million in funding through the Murray–Darling Basin Economic Diversification Programme.
- In 2015-16, $263 million was spent on modernising irrigation infrastructure, with more money committed for future projects.
- While water prices have risen with the implementation of the Basin Plan, seasonal conditions appear to be the most significant driver of water prices. For example, in 2015–16 temporary water prices increased between 71–94% from the previous year, primarily driven by dry conditions.
A healthy basin environment
The river systems of the Murray–Darling Basin provide a range of unique natural environments. As well as many significant waterways, there are over 30,000 wetlands in the Basin, including 16 internationally significant Ramsar sites. A healthy Basin environment will support a diverse range of bird, fish and plant species. Basin health is also important for people, providing recreational benefits for communities, as well as water of a quality suitable for irrigation and domestic use.
- Around 2,250 GL of environmental water was delivered to the Basin annual watering priorities. This included water that was re-used to benefit multiple priorities.
- While there were local successes for waterbirds and fish, waterbird numbers across the Basin remain historically low. It will take many years to see if continued local successes will be able to reverse the long-term decline in bird numbers across the Basin.
- Water holders worked together to maximise outcomes from environmental watering, with around 86% of environmental water delivered in coordinated watering events.
- Low water availability and system constraints — including community concerns about flooding — meant that the Mid-Murrumbidgee Wetlands and Moira grass priorities did not receive enough environmental water.