Qld backs Murray Darling water inquiry calls

Queensland has backed calls for an independent public inquiry to address serious allegations of water misappropriation in New South Wales.

Natural Resources and Mines Minister Dr Anthony Lynham today supported South Australia and Victoria in demanding scrutiny.

“I am extremely disappointed by allegations of water theft by some irrigators in New South Wales and the alleged lack of action by the New South Wales Government,” he said.

“The Murray–Darling Basin Plan is backed by latest and best science, but it can only protect the nation’s largest river system if irrigators and regulators do the right thing.”

Last month ABC’s Four Corners program alleged that NSW irrigators were harvesting water that had been purchased by taxpayers to save Australia's inland rivers.

Victoria and South Australia have both called for an independent Public Inquiry with the ability to compel witnesses to give evidence, with recommendations considered by the Murray-Darling Basin Ministerial Council, and then put before COAG.

The Commonwealth Government is proposing a review by the Murray Darling Basin Authority.

Dr Lynham said the Commonwealth needed to work with the states to; develop a solid terms of reference and a suitable structure for a public inquiry.

“I have previously raised these water accountability issues at Ministerial Council meetings of State, Territory and Commonwealth ministers,” he said.

“I have called for the next ministerial council of Murray-Darling Basin to be brought forward to discuss these important matters.

“And only a full and transparent public process will give Queensland irrigators confidence that the water they have given up to save the river system isn’t being siphoned off downriver.”  

Meanwhile in Queensland, Minister Lynham today announced an independent review was underway into rural water metering

“Effective metering and measurement is key to managing water resources and providing scientific integrity to water planning. You can’t manage what you can’t measure,” he said.

“I have asked for this review, to ensure that Queensland has its house in order after the significant changes made under the previous LNP Government to the management and operation of our metering systems.

“The Queensland independent metering review will examine maintenance and operation of meters and water use reporting.

“The review will work with the findings of any national inquiry and provide its initial findings by November 2017.”

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Media inquiries: Jan Martin 0439 341 314