UPDATE: A new report reveals that the Southern Murray-Darling Basin faces a staggering shortfall of 255 to 355 gigalitres (GL) of water following 2026. This alarming finding was confirmed by the National Irrigators Council (NIC), which warns that vital environmental projects are falling behind schedule.
NEW REPORT: According to NIC CEO Zara Lowien, water use has plunged since the implementation of the Basin Plan, with one in three litres of irrigation water now out of production. As priorities shift to ecological recovery, the failure of key Sustainable Diversion Limit Adjustment Mechanism (SDLAM) projects threatens both the environment and local communities.
The report indicates that nearly 50% of SDLAM measures are unlikely to be completed by the 31 December 2026 deadline, leaving a significant gap in the environmental strategy. This could mean less water available for agricultural use, impacting farmers and local economies.
CRITICAL CONTEXT: The Basin Plan was designed to facilitate Federal recovery of additional water if States did not meet their project obligations. However, Lowien stresses, “More water is no substitute for these projects,” highlighting a potential “lose-lose” situation if the government continues on its current path.
This urgent issue is set to dominate discussions at the upcoming MDB Ministerial Council meeting, where the Federal Government’s focus on additional water recovery has drawn criticism from multiple States. A recent independent review also revealed that the government’s plan to recover 450 GL of additional water could cost taxpayers an additional $1.3 billion, with experts warning that merely increasing water volume is not a sustainable solution.
Lowien urges a shift in strategy, stating, “It’s illogical and a change of course is needed urgently before we waste taxpayers’ money.” She calls on the Federal Government to prioritize contemporary scientific findings over outdated political agendas during the Ministerial meeting.
The NIC has also called for a thorough review of the Water for the Environment Special Account (WESA) policy outcomes, emphasizing the need for clear connections between funding, water recovery, and environmental benefits.
WHAT’S NEXT: As the situation develops, stakeholders across the Murray-Darling Basin are watching closely for the outcomes of the Ministerial Council meeting. The urgency of this matter cannot be overstated, with potential repercussions for both environmental health and the livelihoods of those dependent on agricultural water supply.
This is a developing story; stay tuned for the latest updates on this critical issue affecting the Murray-Darling Basin and its communities.
