Qld Murray-Darling Basin water buyback process to begin next month
The Federal Government has announced the tender process for its purchase of water in the Queensland section of the Murray-Darling Basin will commence during September.
The water bought by the Commonwealth as part of the scheme will be returned to the river system in order to boost environmental flows.
Federal Minister for Climate Change and Water, Penny Wong, says the tender will be the first part of a $350 million commitment to purchase water in Queensland announced the recent Council of Australian Governments meeting.
Senator Wong says purchasing water in Queensland would benefit wetlands and rivers in the northern Murray-Darling Basin and increase flows down the Darling River.
In wetter years, it is anticipated that increased flows to the Darling River will make their way down to the Murray River. However, present dry conditions in the Darling River mean it is unlikely that any increased flows will at this stage reach the Murray River.
Further information on the Queensland water buyback, including program guidelines, is to be made available during September at www.environment.gov.au/water. The Federal Government is to widely advertise the buyback prior to commencement.
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