Two more accredited Water Resource Plans brings NSW's total to four

Tanya Plibersek, Minister for the Environment and Water, has announced that an additional two Water Resource Plans have been formally accredited in New South Wales. 

Water Resource Plans are an important part of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan, as they set the rules for how water can be extracted from each area. NSW has now submitted and had accredited 4 out of a total of 20 plans. 

The accreditation of these overdue plans contributes towards the New South Wales Government’s commitment to its part of the Murray–Darling Basin Plan.

The New South Wales Murray–Darling Basin Porous Rock Water Resource Plan covers groundwater located within the sedimentary basins and alluvium sediments across four areas of the NSW portion of the Murray–Darling Basin.

The Macquarie–Castlereagh Alluvium Water Resource Plan area is found in the central portion of the Macquarie–Castlereagh catchment, between Lake Burrendong in the south-east and the Macquarie Marshes in the north-west.

The plans have been recommended for accreditation by the Murray–Darling Basin Authority as they meet the requirements under the Basin Plan.

Minister Plibersek has accepted the advice from the Murray–Darling Basin Authority and accredited the plans.

Quotes attributable to the Minister for the Environment and Water, the Hon Tanya Plibersek MP:

“Water Resource Plans are a crucial part of delivering the Murray-Darling Basin Plan in full. 6 months ago, NSW was still owing their 20 plans. They now have 4 accredited and I look forward to seeing more. 

“I’m pleased that the New South Wales Government is taking steps to deliver on the commitments they have under the Basin Plan. 

“There are now four plans accredited, nine plans undergoing formal assessment by the MDBA and a further seven plans are in the pre-submission phase.

“I’ve been informed that New South Wales remains committed to actively consulting with First Nations communities to ensure their concerns and values are incorporated into their water planning and management framework.

“I look forward to accrediting the remaining 16 plans.

For more information on Water Resource Plans, visit Water Resource Plans | Murray–Darling Basin Authority (mdba.gov.au).