"Trust and transparency" was one of the key messages federal water minister Keith Pitt delivered during the MDBA's River Reflections conference in Griffith.
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Mr Pitt said $25 million had been delivered to the NSW and Queensland governments which is to be spent on water metering for the northern basin.
"We must improve trust and transparency in the available information and we must continue to deliver on the things that make a difference," he said.
The funding is designed to see near real time telemetry which would enhance the accuracy of information.
"That means improved transparency for water users, better water management outcomes and stronger confidence for communities at a local level," he said.
Mr Pitt said once the legislation for the Basin's inspector-general was completed, the federal government would still rely on states to complete the first stages of water compliance enforcement.
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Mr Pitt said he believed it was important to get projects delivered which could achieve water savings.
"I support common sense practical approaches, doing stuff that works and getting stuff done," he said.
"It's been a long period of time where there has been resistance to doing what was necessary, we are making the changes to ensure we get as far as we possibly can, towards the target of 2024."
With around $4 billion left to achieve the plan, Mr Pitt said he wanted to see businesses of all kinds in the Basin benefit from the government investment.
"To me that says for the regions, that says jobs jobs for your communities, that says opportunities for your local manufacturers, you local backhoe operators, your local excavation companies."
While the Mr Pitt said the goal was to achieve environmental water recovery targets by 2024, he said it would be done without buybacks.
"The Commonwealth will not be buying back water to meet the requirements of the plan, we've committed to off-farm projects, we'll continue to work on those commitments and deliver those projects."
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