Progress made to move the Basin Plan forward
- By: "Farm Tender" News
- Dairy News
- Dec 12, 2017
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Movement on the Sustainable Diversion Limits adjustments limits has farmers cheering.
The MDBA has recommended Federal Water Minister Barnaby Joyce accept the proposed SDL adjustments of 605 gigalitres (GL), marking a positive move forward, with progress unhalted by the recent focus on compliance issues.
“With the Ministers meeting on the 19th of December, it is timely this mechanism within the Basin Plan has moved forward,” VFF Water Council Chairman Richard Anderson said.
Compliance needs to be dealt with across the basin, with every state doing their part to keep the integrity of the Basin Plan intact. The focus on compliance is important, but needs to be done in tandem with progressing the Basin Plan.
“MDBA raised concerns not only about compliance, but also about how far some states had progressed in completing State Water Resource Plans. One should not overtake the importance of the other.”
Although the 605 GL recommended is a positive move, the VFF still advocates for the full 650 GL to be obtained through projects. Achieving further water savings through the 450 GL efficiency measures mechanism should wait until the Sustainable Diversion Limits adjustments mechanism has run its course.
In an issue as complex and important as the water supply, it is vital that we get things right. The VFF contends that the MDBA should continue its progress in compliance and in the adjustment mechanism; the Basin Plan rests on ensuring the process continues, as well as the integrity of the system.
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