Australian Dairy Farmers (ADF) welcomes the announcement of an environmental offset package to close the remaining gap to meet the Basin Plan’s 2750 GL target.
Today’s announcement was made by Basin State Governments at a landmark meeting in Canberra.
Chair of the ADIC Water Taskforce, Daryl Hoey says the package means environmental water is used more efficiently, allowing the water recovery target to be reduced by over 600 GL.
“The projects recover water through complementary and efficiency projects, which is crucial for the Basin’s health and reducing socio-economic pain,” said Mr Hoey.
“This is why the Basin States announcement at their March meeting of an independent socio- economic analysis beyond what is legislated is so crucial.
“We look forward to working with Ernst and Young in their socio-economic analysis of the Southern Basin and in delivering a triple bottom line.”
Ministers expressed confidence for the proposed environmental offset projects and measures that would deliver more than 600 GL in offsets. Mr Hoey said it was essential that the offsets package fully closed the remaining gap to meet the Plan’s 2750 GL target.
“ADF has strongly advocated for the recovery of 650 GL in offsets and would like to see the Basin states deliver the full 650 GL to be sure no further water is recovered from irrigators,” said Mr Hoey.
The Basin State Governments must notify the Murray-Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) of the agreed offset package of projects by 30 June 2017, and the MDBA will make a final decision on the projects at the end of the year.
ADF is committed to working with Government to improve the management of water in the Basin, achieve the necessary community buy-in, and achieve positive socio-economic outcomes while meeting environmental targets.
Media Contact:
Bernadette Marr, Media and Communications Manager
M: 0447 161 919
E: media@australiandairyfarmers.com.au