INDUSTRY NEWS
From previous page flows), but poorer outcomes for indicators such as native fish, which need more than“ just adding water” to properly address. The Evaluation said:“ The management of flow regimes, particularly the timing and patterns of flow, is vital to achieving outcomes for native fish. However, flow management is only one component of the suite of integrated management activities needed to build fish population resilience. Complementary management actions such as introduced species control, re-establishment of threatened and non-threatened species, improved fish passage solutions, and habitat protection and restoration are also important for improving fish outcomes across the Basin.” So where does this leave us? The Basin Plan Evaluation makes a compelling case that a new chapter is needed, moving beyond“ just adding water”. In terms of socio-economic outcomes, anyone living in the Basin would have observed the changes from water reforms. However, measuring these changes clearly proved problematic for the Evaluation, with statements such as:“ Most of the changes in economic conditions in the Basin are due to factors other than water recovery.“ Even in highly irrigation-dependent communities, the contribution of the reforms was not measurable relative to other factors affecting social conditions.“ Factors other than the Basin Plan account for at least 95 % of observed outcomes for overall agriculture and irrigated agriculture turnover in the southern Basin over 2009 – 2022.” The challenges are in the methodology. For example, the Evaluation is required to be done at a Basin-scale, which smooths over the impacts at a local and industry level( often where they are felt most). The baseline for‘ pre Basin Plan’ also happens to be in the crux of the Millenium Drought, which is a challenging baseline to measure change from.
Then comes the many flow-on, or multiplier effects, from water in production, and how to account for those full range of outcomes. This feedback has certainly been provided. We are fast approaching crunch time, on the cusp of a potentially new chapter of water management, with the 2026 Basin Plan Review, Basin Plan Reconciliation( with potential SDL adjustment for the Southern Basin), and plans for a renewed National Water Initiative – all likely to set the direction for the next chapter of water management. When you look at the progress in terms of establishing, and achieving compliance with, SDLs – alongside what the science is now saying the environment needs most – there is a very clear case for a new chapter to focus on those complementary management actions instead of simply more and more water recovery. The Almond Board of Australia, alongside the National Irrigators’ Council, will continue our water advocacy efforts during this critical time of reform.
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03 5133 9118