FULFILLING an election promise by implementing recommendations of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan is still a goal for the state government.     

Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Clare Scriven appeared in a Q&A session held by Rural Media and Communicators SA/NT earlier this month. 

When asked about the potential re-introduction of a water buyback scheme, Ms Scriven said reaching Murray-Darling Basin Plan targets remained a state government priority. 

“Water is one of the major issues for all of us across the state,” she said. 

“One of the election promises was to be able to implement all of the recommendations under the Murray-Darling Basin Plan. 

“We’re committed to implementing all the recommendations.” 

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced in April – during the federal election campaign – a five-point policy focused on the Murray-Darling Basin, including a pledge to work with “governments and stakeholders to deliver on water commitments, including the 450GL of water for the environment”, which was initially set out in the 2012 plan.

Ms Scriven expected SA Murray irrigators – currently on 100 per cent allocations – would avoid any water resource pressures in 2022-23.   

“This year full allocations have come through, because the water is there,” she said. 

“I imagine that would have been very comforting to those who are relying on the Murray-Darling Basin.”