Northern Basin Review is again law

The Coalition Government has returned 70 gigalitres of water to northern basin communities, after the Northern Basin Review (NBR) again became law today.

 

The NBR instrument was signed by Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources David Littleproud yesterday after an agreement with the Labor Party allowed the necessary legislation to pass Parliament in June.

 

“Keeping those extra 70 gigalitres will protect about 200 jobs in Northern Basin communities while still delivering for the environment,” Minister Littleproud said.

 

"The government is delivering certainty to communities across the Basin, and this is a key part of that.”

 

Minister Littleproud said the Northern Basin Review process was included in the Basin Plan by all jurisdictions in 2012.

 

“We will also deliver a ‘toolkit’ of environmental works and measures,” Minister Littleproud said.

 

“This will include targeted recovery of water, event-based mechanisms such as options for pumping and store-and-release, and environmental works to promote fish movement and habitat.

 

“The agreement between the Coalition Government and the Opposition will further protect environmental flows, strengthen compliance with water laws, and improve outcomes for Aboriginal people.

“The amendment is effectively the same as the instrument that was disallowed by the Senate in February.

 

“I am proud the Plan is back on track.”

 

The text of the instrument is available on www.legislation.gov.au