INDUSTRY NEWS
Table 1: Summary of the Initial SDL Assessments from the MDBA’ s Basin Plan Review Discussion Paper. Sources: 1. 2026 Murray – Darling Basin Plan Review Discussion Paper 2. https:// library. mdba. gov. au / group / sustainable-diversion-limit-assessments-surface-water- see document for each valley. 3. Based on MDBA Registers of Take( 2023-24, most recent), see final column ' was the trigger exceeded ': https:// www. mdba. gov. au / sites / default / files / publications / 2023-2024-sdl-accounts-registers-of-take-report. pdf
drivers. There’ s many papers on this, going into each catchment in detail, which we’ ve summarised in Table 1. Many have criticised that to still not know whether these water sources have SDLs set right does not‘ pass the pub test’, after all that has been invested through the Basin Plan, which is a fair criticism. That said, it is pleasing to see the
MDBA look at the actual drivers of environmental outcomes, and not just rush to the conclusion more water is needed – which would bring not only further socio-economic impacts, but also, not solve the environmental problems if the‘ wrong tool for the job’ is used. The Paper goes into more detail about a range of issues, including
First Nations water management, climate change, infrastructure, and water quality – which you can read more about on the MDBA website. What is most problematic, at this stage, is not Basin Plan 2.0( although it is early stages, and too soon to call), but the remaining components of Basin Plan 1.0. While the crux of Basin Plan 1.0 has been implemented- with SDLs now in place and being fully complied with, and over 99 % of direct purchases to‘ bridge the gap’ to these new limits delivered – there are remaining components. The SDL Adjustment Mechanism( SDLAM) – to deliver supply and constraints projects – remains one of the largest risks to water users. The SDLAM package of projects is currently offsetting the SDL for the Southern Basin by 605GL, but is expected to underdeliver by this year’ s deadline. In fact, the modelling used in the Basin Plan Review Discussion Paper assumes a 300GL shortfall on this( it is yet to be determined how that will be met, although it is often assumed further buybacks), as well as the purchase of the full 450GL of additional environmental water. The ABA attended a Roundtable in Sydney in February, hosted by the MDBA, alongside many other irrigation industry representatives. Key feedback included the lack of focus on irrigated agriculture and socio-economics in the Discussion Paper, and a need to better value all agricultural industries and the value to the Australian economy, communities, and also Basin environments. We encourage people to get involved by providing a submission to the MDBA by 1 May 2026. Three clear key messages from the ABA will be:
• No more water from agriculture( by any means)
• Move beyond‘ just adding water’ to improve environmental outcomes
• Value irrigated agriculture, and our role in food production, the national economy and Basin communities. To find out more, and have your say, visit the Murray-Darling Basin Authority website here.
industry. australianalmonds. com. au
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