URGENT UPDATE: New reports confirm that the Southern Murray-Darling Basin faces a potential water shortfall of 255 to 355 gigalitres (GL) by December 2026, endangering both environmental projects and local communities. The National Irrigators Council (NIC) released this alarming news today, highlighting failures in vital state-led initiatives designed to conserve water resources.
According to NIC CEO Zara Lowien, “Water use has drastically declined since the Basin Plan,” with approximately one in three litres of irrigation water now out of production. This situation has prompted a shift in priorities, emphasizing the need for the water recovered from farmers to be effectively managed for environmental benefits.
The report from the Murray-Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) indicates that nearly half of the Sustainable Diversion Limit Adjustment Mechanism (SDLAM) supply projects are unlikely to meet their deadlines, significantly jeopardizing the environmental goals of the Basin Plan.
“More water is no substitute for these projects,” Ms. Lowien warned. “It’s a lose-lose situation for both the environment and local communities.”
This critical gap in water management comes as the MDB Ministerial Council meeting approaches, where state representatives are expected to discuss the implications of this report. The Federal Government’s ongoing pursuit of additional water resources contradicts the wishes of several states, adding to the urgency of the situation.
Furthermore, an independent review has revealed that the Federal Government’s strategy to recover an additional 450 GL of water could cost taxpayers around $1.3 billion. The review states that merely increasing water supply will not resolve the deeper issues affecting the Basin.
“It’s illogical,” Ms. Lowien continued. “We need a change of course urgently to avoid wasting taxpayer money and to ensure that we are funding what’s necessary for the environment.”
The NIC is calling for an immediate review of the Water for the Environment Special Account (WESA) policy outcomes, aimed at better linking funding and water recovery to real environmental and community benefits. This review is essential ahead of next year’s Basin Plan review.
As this situation develops, stakeholders are urged to advocate for a science-based approach that prioritizes current ecological needs over political agendas. The outcomes of the upcoming MDB Ministerial Council meeting will be crucial in determining the future of the Murray-Darling Basin and its communities.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story unfolds. The implications of this report are significant for farmers, environmentalists, and local communities alike.
