The Murray Darling Basin Authority has bravely published a new draft plan on water use in our part of the world.
“Our plan is flexible and will allow us to monitor and adapt. It’s a plan that will achieve important environmental objectives and is a pathway forward that allows us all to continue to learn and build on our knowledge about how to better manage the Murray Darling Basin for all of its values.”
“I urge people to take the time to read the draft and get involved in the consultations and have their say.”
Cue howling by everyone doing well out of cheap water in the system, but the real question will be what it means for the ACT?
Apparently under this draft we’ll not be subject to massive water use cuts.
UPDATE: Simon Corbell has shared his thoughts:
“This draft report proposes that the ACT’s right to extract water for our use under the Sustainable Diversion Limits (SDL) remains unchanged at 40.5 GL a year and fairly recognises the ACT’s prudent water management,” Mr Corbell said.
Mr Corbell led negotiations with the Murray Darling Basin Authority and Federal Government to ensure water allocations were not reduced, and ACT residents were not punished for being responsible water managers.
“The ACT community is the most responsible water user in the Murray Darling system, and currently uses approximately 35GL in normal use each year and provides nearly 455GL of water to the Murray Darling Basin annually,” Mr Corbell said.
“The ACT Government has worked tirelessly to get a fair deal for the ACT and I am pleased to see this has been reflected in the draft Basin Plan released for public comment today.
[Photo by ibsut CC BY]