The government has released a report, described as a prospectus, on how water entitlements can be safeguarded when the Federal Government starts to procure more water for the Murray-Darling Basin.
The stakeholder meetings are expected to increase understanding that trade-offs are required across the basin to minimise socio-economic impacts of buybacks and the best ways to achieve environmental outcomes.
The meetings may also discuss potential water recovery projects.
G-MW managing director Charmaine Quick said the authority was working alongside the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action and catchment management authorities to provide briefings on the Planning Our Basin Future Together prospectus with key stakeholders in the region such as our Water Service Committees.
These meetings will be held in late May and early June.
The Commonwealth is threatening to use buybacks to secure more water for the environment, while the Victorian report outlines some alternatives.
Victorian Water Minister Harriet Shing said Victoria had done more than any jurisdiction to return water to the environment, improve the efficient use of water, and crack down on water theft.
“Our communities know better than anyone that healthy waterways mean healthy communities and productive crops – and we will continue to work with the Commonwealth and all basin states to innovate, collaborate, and deliver better outcomes for the entire basin,” Ms Shing said.
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