The Australian Murray–Darling Basin Plan: challenges in its implementation (part 1)

Abstract

The latest in a set of major water reforms in the Australian Murray–Darling Basin occurred in November 2012 with completion of a new integrated water resources plan for the region (the Basin Plan). This occurred over a four-year period (2009–12) and was not without controversy. However, perhaps the most challenging part of this reform is occurring now with the implementation of the Basin Plan between 2012 and 2024. This paper discusses the key tasks to be undertaken by June 2016 and the main challenges in their implementation. A companion paper discusses the challenges in implementing the other tasks that need to be settled by 2024.

Keywords:

• Murray–Darling Basin
• Australia
• water reform
• sustainable diversion limits
• water recovery
• government investment
• Basin Plan

Acknowledgements

This paper has relied heavily on the many reports prepared by Murray–Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) staff. Their contributions to the Basin Plan development and now its implementation are acknowledged. The author also thanks James Horne, the many MDBA staff members and colleagues from the Commonwealth Environmental Water Office for their comments on earlier drafts of the paper.

Notes

1. See www.mdba.gov.au/what-we-do/managing-rivers/the-cap/.

2. See www.mdba.gov.au/.

3. See www.environment.gov.au/water/basin-plan/progress-recovery/.

4. See www.irrigators.org.au/press_releases/114d5d166ae34a582474fb0419c4efc6.pdf/.

6. See http://freeflow.mdba.gov.au/2015/08/27/progress-on-sdl-adjustment-stocktake-and-trial/#.VezmM0v7o8M.