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MDBA asked to clarify its environmental agenda

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The announcement by the chairman of the Murray-Darling Basin Authority, Mike Taylor, that the Federal Government’s Basin Plan will prioritise provision of water to selected environmental sites above other uses, requires clarification, according to environmental and public water rights advocacy group Fair Water Use (Australia).

“It is encouraging to note that the MDBA is acknowledging the importance of placing the environment first”, the group’s national coordinator, Ian Douglas, responded today.

He continued, “It is essential that the MDBA provides full details of its intentions. Although a laudable aim in itself, sadly the salvage of a few high-profile wetlands will do little to improve the overall condition of the river system and its ability to provide the Basin-wide ecological services upon which its communities and agriculture depend.”

“Mr Taylor has stated that the MDBA has been directed to first deal with issues related to the environment. If the Authority is committed to this outcome, it must undertake to receive truly independent and annually updated advice on the inflows that are required to restore and maintain the health of the rivers and then ensure that this water is allowed to flow into and through the system”, Dr Douglas added.

He concluded, “Fair Water Use seeks confirmation from Mr Taylor that the actions of the MDBA will allow meaningful volumes of water to flush down the rivers and out the Murray mouth, as anything less will only lead to continuing degradation of the Murray-Darling Basin. If Mr Taylor cannot give this commitment, it is yet further evidence of the need to declare a State of Emergency with respect to the Basin”.