New South Wales plan to improve river flows faces funding setback

A New South Wales government plan to improve river flows after mass fish deaths in the northern Murray-Darling Basin is in doubt after the federal government rejected a $360 million funding request. The proposal followed recommendations from an expert panel established under the northern basin connectivity program.

The panel advised limiting upstream water extraction during dry periods to maintain flows into the Darling-Baaka river and Menindee Lakes.

Funding request and response State water officials said they had developed rule changes to water sharing plans that would deliver improved connectivity. They requested up to $360 million from the federal government for water recovery under the Basin Plan, describing the amount as open to negotiation.

The request was declined. On Friday, state officials stated they are now considering next steps and other options for improving connectivity.

Warnings from landholders and advocates A grazier operating between Tilpa and Louth said the Barwon-Darling river system would be terminal without the full connectivity program. The landholder warned that another fish kill could occur as soon as summer if flows do not improve.

The same landholder said towns including Bourke, Wilcannia, Tilpa and Louth could run out of water and that communities and livestock depend on reliable supplies. Environment advocates said the state government should implement the expert panel recommendations regardless of federal funding.

They described the program as intended to reduce mass fish kills and blue-green algae outbreaks. A South Australian official said connectivity rules affect downstream jurisdictions because water from Menindee Lakes supplies the River Murray. The official added that poor water quality arriving in South Australia creates management and cost burdens for that state.