Snapshot: 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.
This section provides an overview of how communities and governments are working together to implement key projects and improve the outcomes for people and the environment in the Basin. This includes reviewing and adapting the sustainable diversion limits in the Basin Plan.
Snapshot
- 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.
- Basin governments have proposed 37 projects in the southern Basin, designed to reduce water recovery while still achieving the equivalent environmental outcomes.
- 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.
- After recognising delays in developing water resource plans, governments are improving processes to ensure they are completed by 1 July 2019.
- 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.
- 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.