Water

Former Defence Force chief appointed new MDBA chair

Former Defence Force chief Air Chief Marshal Sir Angus Houston is the new chair of the Murray-Darling Basin Authority. Sir Houston has served the nation in several leadership roles, and his well-honed strategic skills will help focus efforts towards...

Rodney Woods

Water will help farmers kick start economy post COVID-19, Deniliquin farmer says

As the impact of COVID-19 tightens its hold on Australia’s economy and the Federal Government calls for local business to try and step-up to kick start our stalled economy, Deniliquin irrigator Sharni Hood stands ready. But all she needs, to do her...

Rodney Woods

2020-21 water year looks positive, according to MDBA operating report

The outlook for 2020-21 is looking more positive compared to last year, according to the Murray-Darling Basin Authority’s Annual Operating Outlook. Each year the MDBA releases an Annual Operating Outlook that explains how the MDBA may operate the...

Rodney Woods

2020-21 water year looks positive, according to MDBA operating report

The outlook for 2020-21 is looking more positive compared to last year, according to the Murray-Darling Basin Authority’s Annual Operating Outlook. Each year the MDBA releases an Annual Operating Outlook that explains how the MDBA may operate the...

Rodney Woods

Huge water reports draw frustration from local irrigators

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s report into the Murray-Darling Basin’s water markets is the latest in an increasingly long list of substantial reports, with many questioning the efficacy of the substantial, and frequent...

Country News

Environmental water plan released for the southern basin

Northern Victorian rivers will have improved vegetation and riverbanks, with increased habitat and food to support fish migration and breeding. This is the aim of the Water Management Plan from the Commonwealth Environmental Water Office for...

Jamie Salter

Floodplain harvesting to be measured in NSW from next year

The long-awaited Floodplain Harvesting Measurement Policy is a big step forward to ensure all water take is accurately metered and managed, according to the NSW Irrigators’ Council. The policy applies to landholders in the northern...

Rodney Woods

Doubt cast over future of Water for Fodder program

The future of the Federal Government’s Water for Fodder program is in doubt, with no date set for when the remaining water will be released. The 100 Gl Water for Fodder program was set up by the Federal Government in November to allow farmers...

Country News

Seasonal determinations increase for Murray and Bullarook

High-reliability water shares for the Murray and Bullarook systems have increased, according to Goulburn-Murray Water’s latest 2020-21 seasonal determinations.

Jamie Salter

ACCC water report validates concerns

The competition watchdog’s interim report into the Murray-Darling Basin water market has been welcomed by irrigators, but they say it must be backed up with action.

Jamie Salter

ACCC report should leave irrigators feeling heard, says Sheed, McKenzie

The full report is available on the ACCC website

Country News

Silver banksia population near Lake Nillahcootie protected by Goulburn Broken CMA project

One of the last remaining wild populations of silver banksia in north-east Victoria is being protected, thanks to the Taungurung Land and Waters Council and Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority. The isolated stand of 25 trees on Sandy...

Rodney Woods

Too many basin plan reports but no action, according to irrigators

Murray-Darling Basin water markets are flawed and increasingly affected by poor governance and a lack of transparency, an Australian Competition and Consumer Commission interim report has found. The 544-page report, which was released on Thursday...

Rodney Woods

Improved water supply set to reduce prices in 2020-21

Water prices are forecast to fall in 2020-21 under all but one weather scenario in response to considerable improvements in the volume of water supply — but price gaps could occur due to inter-valley trade limits.

Rodney Woods

Water registry bill continues to divide

Speak Up has hit out the NSW Government, accusing it of using “scare tactics” to defend its position about a proposed water registry bill. NSW Water Minister Melinda Pavey told parliament on Thursday that the proposed bill “does not protect small...

Rodney Woods

No G-MW fee hikes for Kirwans Bridge residents

Goulburn-Murray Water has reached a decision about its occupational licence fee, which will now see newcomers pay a higher fee for structures next to rivers or lakes, while existing licence holders will continue paying a lower rate. It follows...

Spencer Fowler Steen

Ovens Valley water licence holders question increased fees

State Member for Ovens Valley Tim McCurdy is continuing to work with upper Ovens River catchment water licence holders hit with increased fees and reduced terms by Goulburn-Murray Water. Mr McCurdy said the licence holders — who include...

Rodney Woods

ACCC releases interim report into water market

Submissions to this Interim Report are requested by August 28

Country News

ACCC report on water market coming

Murray-Darling Basin stakeholders are being left in the dark on findings from the Australian Consumer and Competition Commission’s water markets inquiry. Federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg received the ACCC’s interim report on the...

Anna McGuinness