These rivers are the lifeblood of countless communities across the Murray-Darling Basin.
In response to the Federal Government’s announcement of water licence reform in the Murray-Darling following a report into this summer’s devastating fish kills in the Darling River, the Australian Conservation Foundation’s (ACF) Policy Analyst, James Trezise, said:
“We welcome the announcement by the Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, David Littleproud, that the Government will look to acquire high security water licences to help restore rivers to health, as well as invest in improved metering, research and fish stocks.
“This is long-term adjustment, which takes time and must be coordinated across many sectors and communities.
“These rivers are the lifeblood of countless communities across the Murray-Darling Basin.
“Buying back water licences from willing sellers has proven to be the most efficient way to restore rivers to health, as was highlighted by the South Australian Royal Commission.
“We remain concerned about the full delivery of the Basin Plan, including the 450 gigalitres of water that was promised for the environment.
“The Coalition should also commit to a establish an independent national Environment Protection Agency to oversee compliance with the Murray-Darling Basin Plan.”
