A report providing an update on the progress of key activities under the Basin Plan has been issued by the Murray–Darling Basin Authority.

Murray-Darling Basin Authority, Media Release, 27 July 2023

The tenth in a series, this report card reflects the progress made in first 6 months of 2023, during a period of significant flooding and flood recovery around the Murray–Darling Basin.

MDBA Chief Executive Andrew McConville said that while the Report Card showed there are sustained challenges for remaining implementation, communities and governments should recognise the progress being made through the Basin Plan. 

“I’m pleased to see that the planning and delivery of water for the environment has helped to improve water quality in many areas following the recent floods and devasting fish death event in the Lower Darling (Baaka) River at Menindee,” Mr McConville said.

“Measurable progress has been made on the Northern Basin toolkit and while 2 of the 6 measures are progressing in time for 30 June 2024, the environmental works projects and removal of constraints in the Gwydir catchment will not be completed in time.

“Substantial work remains to deliver all the SDLAM supply and efficiency projects, leaving a shortfall on environmental water for the Basin.

“While 5 NSW water resource plans have now been accredited, communities continue to expect remaining water resource plans to be delivered and there is a sense of frustration that this hasn’t happened.”

Until water resource plans are accredited, the Inspector-General of Water Compliance’s powers of enforcement and compliance of the sustainable diversion limits are limited. 

“The Basin Plan has been a critical reform to re-balance water needs for the environment and consumptive users. It delivers outcomes to enable healthy rivers, floodplains and ecosystems, and for the communities that depend on them.”

“Despite the challenges ahead, Basin communities in most regions support the implementation of the Basin Plan. We all want a healthy river system and a sustained commitment from all to implement the Basin Plan is essential for the long-term sustainability of our rivers.”

The Basin Plan Report Card is available on the MDBA website.