The Basin Plan sets SDLs which determine how much water can be used in the Murray-Darling Basin, while leaving enough water for a healthy river system.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, Barnaby Joyce has welcomed the draft determination saying it clearly shows the plan is delivering for basin communities and the environment.

“The determination measures the effectiveness of environmental projects by the basin states, showing they will deliver the basin plan’s environmental outcomes with less water,” Minister Joyce said.

“The MDBA’s assessment of projects has determined that 605 gigalitres of water recovery can now be ‘offset’ by the projects while achieving Basin Plan environmental outcomes,” he said.

The Federal Agriculture Minister said what the outcome means is more certainty and more water remaining in production for Basin communities and irrigators. 

“An offset outcome of 605 gigalitres, combined with the delivery of remaining contracted water recovery projects, will be enough to fully offset the remaining water recovery ‘gap’ in the southern Basin,” Joyce said.

“This is excellent news for farmers and for the health of the Basin,” he said.

“All Basin jurisdictions through the Basin Officials Committee have expressed support for the draft outcome, providing evidence that the Basin Plan is well on-track.”

Minister Joyce said proposing the SDL adjustment is just the start of the process and Basin governments are committed to ongoing consultation with Basin communities. 

The MDBA is inviting the public to comment on the draft determination report and submissions can be made through the MDBA website from 3 October to 3 November 2017.