Support for plan to fix basin issues

Jan 23, 2025

The MRSG has backed MP Helen Dalton’s plan to fix the Murray-Darling Basin. Photo by Supplied

A seven-point plan aiming to fix ongoing issues in the Murray-Darling Basin has been endorsed by the Murray Regional Strategy Group.

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The group, a coalition of farming and community organisations from the NSW Murray Valley, said NSW State Member for Murray Helen Dalton’s plan should be used as a starting point to repair damage caused by poor policy over the past 15 to 20 years.

“We know there are numerous flaws in the basin plan, including the indisputable reality that recovered volumes of water cannot be sent from one end of the system to the other,” MRSG deputy chair Alan Mathers said.

“It physically will not fit. It is therefore pointless recovering more water from farmers; instead, we have to focus on localised projects that protect sustainable environments.”

Mr Mathers said Mrs Dalton’s seven points were “sensible measures that will build a better basin plan for future generations, as it protects the environment but also allows our farmers to grow the food we need for an ever-increasing population”.

He said MRSG also supported calls from Federal Shadow Minister for Water Perin Davey for an end to water buybacks, after the Murray-Darling Basin Authority admitted flow targets in the Murray-Darling Basin Plan could not be achieved.