The MDBA analysed water recovery in 41 communities across the southern Murray–Darling Basin as at 31 October 2016 as part of its interim Basin Plan Evaluation, and found that water recovery through infrastructure has generated 224 GL in water savings for farmers and the environment.

Infrastructure efficiency programs include on-farm and off-farm technology upgrades, installation of automated systems and reconfiguration and replacement of existing open channels with pipelines. 

"Our analysis found that, while the total water recovery in the 41 communities was 1033.9 GL, once we factored in water savings from infrastructure efficiency programs, the net reduction to water available for production was substantially less at 810 GL," MDBA Chief Executive, Phillip Glyde said.

"That's because water recovered through investments in more modern and efficient water infrastructure is water that would otherwise have been lost to production—for example due to evaporation or seepage.

Mr Glyde said his analysis confirms, “what we have already been hearing from communities—that recovering water through infrastructure rather than purchase lessens the impact of water recovery at the community level".

There was a mixed response to Mr Glyde’s statements from MIA irrigators.

Griffith Citrus farmer Vito Mancini said, “it’s early days to fully assess the benefits of these programs for irrigators, but they’re certainly a step in the right direction”. 

Mr Mancini said water savings through improved technology and infrastructure are generally preferable to water purchases. 

Murrami rice grower Debbie Buller said,  “there are some very good things that come from the infrastructure programs, but also some unintended consequences”.

Ms Buller said MIA farmers are struggling with state government allocations that are lower than what they should be, and these programs contribute to making water more scarce.

Binya farmer Helen Dalton said, “it's like we’ve got the Ferrari in the paddock but no fuel to put in it”. 

“At the end of the day, these programs are more about labour saving than water saving,” she added. 

Mr Glyde said the analysis of net water recovery was undertaken as part of the MDBA’s interim Basin Plan Evaluation, which provides a report card on progress since the Plan was agreed in 2012.

The Evaluation will also identify lessons learned to see how implementation can be improved. For more information on the Evaluation, visit mdba.gov.au/basin-plan-roll-out/monitoring-evaluation.

To view the interactive southern Basin water recovery map, visit https://www.mdba.gov.au/basin-plan-roll-out/monitoring-evaluation/water-recovery-southern-basin.

RELATED