The Federal Government has announced a series of three new water purchasing tenders in the Queensland Lower Balonne region of the Murray-Darling Basin.

 

Federal Water Minister, Tony Burke, said the tenders will form part of the Federal Government’s progress under the Restoring the Balance initiative under the Murray-Darling Basin program.

 

The first tender will open on 19 November 2012, with subsequent tenders to be run in February and April next year. These new tenders are part of the Government's commitment of up to $350 million to purchase water in Queensland.

 

"Water purchased in this tender will be used to improve the health of the rivers, wetlands and floodplains in this region and will complement our substantial investments in more efficient irrigation infrastructure in the Balonne and more broadly across the Basin," Mr Burke said.

 

"The Government has made good progress in recovering water for the environment in the Lower Balonne, but more needs to be done in order to meet the local environmental needs as outlined by the Murray-Darling Basin Authority in the Proposed Basin Plan.

 

The Proposed Basin Plan includes a reduction in surface water diversions in order to meet downstream needs in the northern Basin.

 

Guidelines and the application forms for both this tender will be available from November 19 by calling 1800 218 478 or visiting www.environment.gov.au/waterpurchasing