The Commonwealth Environmental Water Office has released its Water Management Plan for 2020‑21.

The Plan looks at how water for the environment can help keep rivers and wetlands across the Murray-Darling Basin healthy – under conditions ranging from wet to dry.

Over the next 12 months water for the environment should be able support native fish and bird breeding and help Australia look after internationally important wetlands, the authority claims.

“Central to our planning is matching supply with demand – we compare how much water we are likely to have with what the environment needs. What we aim to achieve depends on how much water is allocated to us. Every year is different,” Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder Jody Swirepik said.

“With the recent good rains in many catchments we, like irrigators, are hoping for better allocations in the coming season,” Ms Swirepik said.

The Plan is the result of months of working with water managers, scientists, First Nations peoples and local communities to prioritise critical sites across the Basin and plan where water for the environment will be delivered in the year ahead.

“Local knowledge is key to getting the best possible results for the environment and communities,” Ms Swirepik said.

“We work closely with many people and organisations to plan our water use. I am delighted this year’s Plan includes formal input for the first time from the Murray Lower Darling River Indigenous Nations and the Northern Basin Aboriginal Nations on First Nations’ environmental objectives.” Ms Swirepik said.

The Commonwealth Environmental Water Management Plan for 2020-21 and summary brochure are available at Water Management Plan 2020-21 Summary Brochures.