Hugh Schuitemaker and Sebastian Calderon, Murray Pioneer

Senior Riverland politicians say a recent assessment praising the impacts of environmental watering fails to acknowledge economic challenges faced by local primary producers.

A recent comprehensive assessment of environmental outcomes in South Australia, conducted by the State Government under the Murray Darling Basin Plan, states environmental water is having a positive impact on ecosystems, biodiversity and habitat quality.

Increased freshwater flows through the barrages has improved the resilience of fish species including black bream, greenback flounder and small-mouthed hardyhead, while increased connectivity of wetlands and floodplains has benefitted native vegetation and waterbird species.

However, Chaffey MP Tim Whetstone said the assessment was a convenient headline that hid a deeper reality occurring inside the region.

“While we welcome genuine improvements to the river’s health, this government fails to address the critical challenges faced by upstream communities whose livelihoods are affected by decisions made in Adelaide and Canberra,” Mr Whetstone said.

“Riverland irrigators, growers and local businesses are being asked to carry the burden of water recovery, with little regard for the social and economic consequences that come with it.

“Environmental outcomes are important, however, they cannot come at the cost of regional sustainability. I urge both state and federal governments to prioritise transparent decision-making, honest dialogue with stakeholders, and practical, community-led solutions.

“Our river communities deserve a seat at the table, not just another directive handed down from the top. While I’ll advocate for a healthy working river, I will never stop advocating for a healthy working river community.”

Opposition Minister for Water Resources and the River Murray Nicola Centofanti said that local residents care deeply about the health of the Murray River, however “they also care about the future of their communities and right now, many are questioning where that balance lies”.

“The Minister’s media release about her own state government’s review paints a glowing picture of environmental outcomes, yet fails to address the urgent concerns being raised by irrigators and regional communities,” Ms Centofanti said.

“Our producers are already among the most water-efficient in the nation. They’ve done the heavy lifting by investing in drip irrigation, soil moisture monitoring, and enclosed delivery systems. But now, with the state and federal governments pursuing an aggressive water recovery agenda, those very communities are at risk of being left behind.

“We need leadership that ensures environmental water delivery does not come at the expense of regional jobs, food security, or the long-term viability of our Riverland and Murray-based producers. The River Murray Communities Transition Program is a case in point. This is a federally funded initiative meant to help river communities adapt, but there’s been little urgency or transparency from the State Government in rolling it out. There’s a real risk that these funds, intended to future-proof our regions, will go unspent due to bureaucratic delay or inaction.”

The report emphasised the need to recover 450GL of environmental water as soon as possible, to maximise environmental outcomes across the system, including increasing resilience to climate change.

Ms Centofanti said further investigation regarding the potential economic impacts of water buybacks were needed.

“It’s one thing to promise a healthy river, it’s another to deliver practical outcomes for the people who live and work along it,” Ms Centofanti said.

“Ultimately, we don’t have to choose between environmental outcomes and thriving river towns. We can achieve both, but only if the planning is proactive, the funding is timely, and the leadership is strong.”

The report mentioned the Murray River and its wetlands and tributaries are in better shape, despite drought conditions throughout parts of South Australia.

The assessment also found:

• Water for the environment is essential for ecosystems to thrive and its co-ordinated delivery along the entire length of the Murray River has contributed to improved environmental outcomes in SA.
• The operation of infrastructure, including floodplain and wetland regulators, has expanded water delivery areas, increasing connectivity and improving outcomes for native fish, vegetation and waterbird species.
• The Basin Plan has provided improved environmental outcomes during low-flow periods, likely preventing similar outcomes to those during the Millennium Drought, but more is needed to ensure ongoing recovery and health.
• Despite improvements, challenges remain and sustained actions, operations and additional investment are required to secure long-term environmental outcomes.

Minister for Environment, and deputy premier, Susan Close said the State Government would “continue to advocate for a healthy river system as we approach a critical time for implementation of the (Basin) Plan, ahead of a review in 2026”.

“This evaluation has reinforced the importance of delivering the Basin Plan in full, including final 450GL of environmental water and addressing water delivery constraints, to ensure the health of the River Murray and protect our unique ecosystems,” Dr Close said.

“Through this prolonged dry spell, that water has become even more important for the river’s ecology to ensure we maintain a healthy aquatic environment, which supports water supply, irrigation, recreation and tourism.

“The Albanese Government, including former Federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek, have delivered on their commitment to provide South Australia it’s fair share and to get the Plan back on track, and these results further highlight this.

This article appeared in Murray Pioneer, 4 June 2025.
Related story: Review finds Basin Plan environmental flows boosting River Murray ecosystems, biodiversity: Close