"Today the Government is beginning the process to buy water to Bridge the Gap under the Murray–Darling Basin Plan. These water purchases are voluntary.
This water purchase is only for the remaining 49GL of the Bridging the Gap target.
‘Bridging the Gap’ is the largest pool of water to be recovered under the Murray-Darling Basin Plan – a total of 2,075GL. Around 49GL remains to be recovered.
Today’s announcement marks an important step forward in delivering upon the Commonwealth Government’s commitment to complete the Murray–Darling Basin Plan.
49.2 gigalitres (GL) , comprised of 46 GL of surface water and 3.2 GL of groundwater, will be recovered across 7 targeted catchments in the Basin. All these catchments have remaining water to be recovered to achieve the Basin Plan’s Sustainable Diversion Limits.
The targeted catchments for purchase are:
Queensland
- Condamine–Balonne catchment: 14.0 GL of surface water and 3.2 GL of groundwater
New South Wales
- NSW Murray catchment: 10.0 GL of surface water
- Namoi catchment: 9.5 GL of surface water
- NSW Border Rivers catchment: 5.1 GL of surface water
- Barwon–Darling catchment: 1.6 GL of surface water
- Lachlan catchment: 0.9 GL of surface water.
The Australian Government will also continue to work with the Australian Capital Territory Government to identify, plan and deliver cost-effective efficiency projects to bridge the remaining gap of 4.9 GL of surface water in this catchment.
The Strategic Water Purchasing Framework released today outlines the principles that will guide how the water will be purchased.
The Government will strategically purchase water through an open, competitive, transparent tender. An open tender will begin on March 23."
If you would like to receive further information, or are interested in participating in any of these programs, consult with your local Waterfind professional by filling out the following form: