Kookaburra Calling- is it time for the ASX of water?
In a lively panel session held at the ABARES Outlook 2021 virtual conference, entitled 'Improving water market outcomes in the southern Murray-Darling Basin', Mick Keogh, the Deputy Chairman of the ACCC responsible for small business and agriculture, and lead author of a report on the water market recently handed to the Federal Treasurer, alluded to the idea of establishing a water market in Australia akin to the regulatory environment of the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX).
‘Apprehensive’ approach to draft water strategy
Speak Up Campaign chair Lachlan Marshall said removing policy makers out of regional centres and locating them in city offices has resulted in isolated decision making, where local knowledge is disregarded. He described the Snowy Hydro Scheme as “a great example of the disconnect between the southern food bowl and the city decision-makers”, and is concerned that under the latest water strategy the NSW Murray would “miss out again”.
Basin Bound: Absurdity Found
Federal government of both sides have presided over a plan to save the Murray Darling Basin. It is the biggest water reform since Federation, based on political deception, ignorance, scientific perjury, greed, corruption and the raping of our countryside. And all this is from the information publicly available. The Darling, the Murray, the Murrumbidgee, all a mess, but for very different reasons ...
Innovative hydro-powered battery project a first for Australia
A $32 million hydro-powered battery project to be located near Albury will be Australia’s first, following approval by the NSW Government. Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said the hydro-powered battery will be charged by the nearby Hume Hydro Power Station that already provides power to 40,000 homes.
On-farm water recovery continues despite Minister’s promises
The Victorian Farmers Federation is calling for the Commonwealth Minister for Water Resources to keep his word and stop on-farm water acquisition to meet the 450GL up-water target in addition to the Murray Darling Basin Plan. VFF Water Council Chair Richard Anderson said he was disappointed the Commonwealth Department of Agriculture and Water is continuing to pursue on-farm water recovery despite the Federal Water Minister Keith Pitt’s promise not to do so.
Management Plan for Lakes and Coorong Fishery
A draft Management Plan for the Commercial Lakes and Coorong Fishery has been released for public consultation. Minister Basham said the changes further refine the harvest strategies of pipi and finfish to ensure sustainability into the future. A key change in the Management Plan includes refining the method for determining the total allowable commercial effort (net units) for finfish each year. In addition to the existing environmental measures, it is proposed the method includes consideration of the historical catch per unit effort for each finfish species.
Mildura Mayor Cr Jason Modica the new Chair of Murray River Group
The Murray River Group of Councils, Media Release, 13 January 2021
The Murray River Group of Councils has welcomed Mildura Mayor, Cr Jason Modica as...

