The Federal Government has completed a tender process that saw the purchase of an additional 26.25GL of water for the Murray-Darling Basin Plan.
The Federal Government said that this shows that local communities are eager to participate in voluntary water purchase, especially in the southern Murray-Darling Basin, where the bulk of remaining water recovery is needed. In some areas more than double the offers were received than what was required.
The Federal Government also said that through this tender it has bridged the gap in three New South Wales catchments – the Lachlan, Namoi and New South Wales Murray.
While contractual processes are still underway, the total cost is estimated to be $205 million.
The Federal Government said that it will continue to work with Queensland and New South Wales on water recovery options to secure the remaining 18.05GL towards the Bridging the Gap target.
Federal Minister for the Environment and Water, Tanya Plibersek, said that water purchasing is just one tool in the box to recover water, and this tender has shown it can be effective.
“Through these willing sellers we will return water that is desperately needed to restore our rivers and support the plants, animals and communities that rely on it.”
