Implementation of the Murray Darling Basin Plan has shifted up a gear, following agreement between the Commonwealth and Basin states.
Minister for Water, Property and Housing Melinda Pavey has announced details of the five accelerated key Sustainable Diversion Limit (SDL) projects agreed to at last week's Murray Darling Ministerial Council meeting.
The projects being proposed for acceleration include the:
- Sustainable Diversion Limit offsets in the Lower Murray: Locks 8 & 9 Project
- Yanco Creek Modernisation Project (Modernising Supply Systems for Effluent Creeks Project)
- Murrumbidgee & Murray National Park Project
- Koondrook-Perricoota Flow Enabling Works (part of the Constraints Measures Program)
- Mid-Murray Anabranches Constraints Demonstration Reach (part of the Constraints Measures Program)
Minister for Water, Property and Housing Melinda Pavey said the five projects will help NSW get on with the job of delivering the economic, social, environmental and cultural outcomes sought by the Basin Plan.
"These five projects, together with those projects already complete or on track for completion, will deliver approximately 75 per cent of the 605 GL water recovery target by 30 June 2024," Mrs Pavey said.
"It is estimated these projects alone will deliver up to 45GL in NSW previously identified as being unrecoverable by the 2024 timeframe.
"The Locks 8 and 9 Project includes the installation of waterway structures allowing for flow regulation and fish passage within the Capitts and Bunberoo Creek system which will increase fish growth and promote bird breeding.
"The Yanco Creek Modernisation Project will keep the Yanco, Billabong, Colombo and Forest Creeks flowing and improve fish passage and habitats.
"These proposed projects will also help boost jobs in regional areas by creating an estimated 450 direct and 850 indirect regional jobs.
In addition to agreement being reached last week to accelerate a suite of projects to enable delivery by 2024, Ministers have recognised the unique sensitives around Menindee and Yanco and have agreed that NSW will spend the next two months re-working these projects.
"We have heard loud and clear from locals that they have felt they have been sidelined in previous attempts to get these projects off the ground.
"I have made it clear to both our NSW agencies and the Commonwealth that if these projects are to become a reality, communities will need to drive these projects with local knowledge the key to success.
"Community is at the heart of the success of these projects and locals have repeatedly said they have projects which can deliver good environmental, social and economic outcomes. Now is the time to make those ideas a reality."
For details on the SDLAM Acceleration Program including full details of the five accelerated projects, please visit NSW Sustainable Diversion Limit Adjustment Mechanism projects.
