Response to new licence process for Lower Murray water extractions

The Victorian government has announced a temporary restriction on growth in water extraction in the Lower Murray.

“The Water Minister’s announcement is an important stop-gap but must be coupled with a full basin-wide audit of water recovery to ensure that the next steps are based on evidence,” said Environment Victoria CEO Jono La Nauze.

“Monday’s Four Corners investigation revealed that irrigation infrastructure handouts are likely to have driven significant growth in water use in the Murrumbidgee and Northern Basin.

“If there’s less water flowing into the Murray from its NSW tributaries that’s a big problem for Victoria, which is why Minister Neville should announce her support for a full independent audit of water recovery and expenditure under the Basin Plan.”