Federal Water Minister, Tony Burke, has delivered his feedback to the Murray Darling Basin Authority on the recently revised Basin Plan, confirming the Federal Government's support for the new 3,200 gigalitre benchmark.

 

“The Gillard Labor Government is committed to reform for the Murray Darling Basin that restores our rivers to health, ensures strong regional communities and sustainable food production,” Mr Burke said.

 

“The mechanism within the Plan will build on the legislation passed in the House of Representatives this week which allows environmental, social or economic outcomes to be improved in circumstances where the others are not harmed.

 

“There are no surprises in the feedback I have provided to the Authority."

 

“I have accepted the general architecture of the Plan that has come from the Authority and given a clear indication about how the Commonwealth will deliver the Plan.

 

“I hope this results in the Authority being able to give me back a document that I can read, agree to and sign.”

 

Mr Burke said about 1,577GL of water per year had been recovered at the end of September, well over half way towards the 2750GL proposed by the MDBA.