Latest News
The Murray Darling Association strives to keep everyone informed about the many issues surrounding the management of the Murray-Darling Basin. As such there is a regular news service informing everyone of Press Releases, events and other topics via email. If you would like to be a part of this service please
send an email to rnajar@mda.asn.au containing your name, email address and organisation, with MDA News in the subject line.
MDA ENews!
Another service we offer is information regarding the activities
that are undertaken by the Murray Darling Association in the
manangement of the Murray-Darling Basin. If you would like to
be informed on these issues then please send an email to
admin@mda.asn.au containing your name, email address and
organisation, with MDA ENews! in the subject line.
MDA PUBLICATIONS
MDA Teacher's Handbook
The MDA have developed a teacher's handbook which can be used when takingstudents on environmental excursions. The handbook is scheduled to be completed in 2010.
MDA address to the Senate Hearing (full)
MDA addresses the problemsof the Lower lakes and the Coorong.
Help Available to Strengthen Basin Communities
Minister for Climate Change and Water Senator Penny Wong announced the commencement of the 'Strengthening Basin Communities' program.
Riverlander Notes Issue No. 82
Featuring information on:
-President's message
-Queensland Roundtable
-The Basin Plan
-Australia Day Awards
-Russian Wetland
- Securing ACT water
- Student Workshops
Cyprinus Newsletter
Newsletter on Carp and Alien Fish.
An Initiative of The Muray Darling Association Inc
MEDIA RELEASES
MURRAY DARLING ASSOCIATION
US MDA Tour
MURRAY DARLING BASIN AUTHORITY
15/4/10 Lock 8 weir pool lowered for Mulcra Island environmental works
12/4/10Assuming Control of Menindee Lakes Water
MDBA have written a paper which details the legislative requirements of the Water Act 2007 on the MDBA, including its mandatory content. This in-depth document can be viewed here: www.mdba.gov.au/basin_plan/the-basin-plan-and-the-water-act
GOVERNMENT
Release of Guide to draft Basin Plan to be deferred | Murray-Darling Basin Authority
http://www.mdba.gov.au/media_centre/media_releases/mr-release-of-guide-to-draft-basin-plan-to-be-deferred
The Murray-Darling Basin Authority announced today following a discussion of Authority members that, consistent with election caretaker period conventions, it will defer the release date of the Guide to the Proposed Murray-Darling Basin Plan. The Authority understands the significant community interest in what the Proposed Basin Plan will put forward and is keen to provide stakeholders, irrigators and Basin communities with the opportunity of finding out what the Authority is proposing. A meeting of the Authority made the judgement that the release date would be considered at the end of August.
Mildura Weir pool lowering to start in mid-July | Murray-Darling Basin
http://www.mdba.gov.au/media_centre/media_releases/mr-mildura-weir-pool
To assist with upgrade works, the Murray-Darling Basin Authority and Goulburn-Murray Water have confirmed that the lowering of the Mildura Weir pool (to about 3.6 m below full supply level) is planned for the week starting Monday 19 July 2010. To assist with construction, the water level of the Wentworth weir pool may need to be lowered slightly (by up to 20 cm) to reduce the water level on the downstream side of Mildura Weir. Over the coming weeks, the Murray-Darling Basin Authority and Goulburn-Murray Water will continue to issue further advice via the MDBA's Weekly report which can be viewed at.
The Murray-Darling Basin Authority will hold an additional stage of consultation on the Murray-Darling Basin Plan, before the release of the Proposed Basin Plan later this year. The guide will feature key content of the Proposed Basin Plan including:. The Authority will release the Guide in early August.
Water purchase tender in Lower Balonne catchment extended to 21 May 2010
http://www.environment.gov.au/about/media/dept-mr/pubs/dept-mr20100430.pdf
The $100 million water purchase tender in Queenslands Lower Balonne region has been extended by three weeks until 5pm on Friday 21 May 2010. The Lower Balonne purchase tender is part of the Australian Governments $3.1 billion Restoring the Balance in the Murray-Darling Basin water purchase program that is returning water to the Basins rivers and wetlands. The extension to the closing date of the tender is necessary so that the Queensland Department of Environment and Resources Management (QDERM) may provide further information to irrigators on the implications of the multi-year accounting rule for their licences.
http://www.mdba.gov.au/media_centre/media_releases/mr-lock-8-weir-pool-lowered
The Murray-Darling Basin Authority announced today that the Lock 8 weir pool would be partially lowered in preparation for construction of the Mulcra Island Environmental Flows project. The works proposed for Mulcra Island under The Living Murray program will improve the health of the Potterwalkagee Creek, and the Mulcra Island floodplain, providing habitat for waterbirds, fish and frogs and watering stressed river redgums. The works will increase the frequency and area of flooding on the island's floodplain and wetlands by diverting environmental water from the Murray River at Lock 8 through the Potterwalkagee Creek.
All red alerts removed for the Murray River | Murray-Darling Basin Authority
http://www.mdba.gov.au/media_centre/media_releases/mr-red-alerts-removed-for-the-murray-river
TheMurray and Sunraysia Regional Algal Coordinating Committees today announced the further downgrading of the `red alert' for blue-green algae in the Murray River. The Murray and Sunraysia Regional Algal Coordinating Committees today announced the further downgrading of the `red alert' for blue-green algae in the Murray River. This means that the `red alert' can be lifted completely for all sections of the Murray River.
Water Loss Management Program achievements announced - media release 7 April 2010
http://www.environment.gov.au/minister/kelly/2010/mr20100407.html
The water saving achievements of Orange City Council, Gosford City Council and Dubbo City Council were announced today by Parliamentary Secretary for Water, Dr Mike Kelly. 'The Australian Government, through its Water for the Future - Water Smart Australia program, has provided $7.39 million in funding for the Water Loss Management Program and it is encouraging to recognise the early successes the program has had in increasing urban water use efficiency.'. For more information on the Water Loss Management Program or Water Smart Australia visit .
Irrigators in the Murray-Darling Basin have demonstrated a significant capacity to adapt to low water availability conditions, delegates at the ABARE Outlook conference heard in Canberra today. Mr Mues discussed three key aspects of the initiative including water market reforms, government investment in water use efficiency and the environmental water buyback program. 'With the approach of the new Basin Plan, irrigators and regional communities are starting to prepare for a future with less water, the Government is rolling out Water for the Future to smooth the path to this new future,' Mr Mues said. http://www.abareconomics.com/corporate/media/2010_releases/ol_2mar_12_10.html
Prolongedadverse seasonal conditions and reduced water availability have continued to put pressure on irrigation farms in the Murray-Darling Basin. 'An estimated 41 per cent of irrigation farms made net additions (additions less disposals) to total farm capital in 2007-08. 'Financial performance results for the majority of irrigation farms suggest sound long-term business prospects,' Mr Ashton said.
http://www.bom.gov.au/announcements/media_releases/sa/20100120_Seasonal_Outlook_SA_Feb_to_Apr.shtml
Wednesday20 January 2010. The February to April 2010 rainfall outlook for South Australia indicates southern parts of the state have a 55 to 60% probability of exceeding the median rainfall. The February to April 2010 temperature outlook for South Australia indicates a 30 to 40% chance of above median maximum temperatures for southern agricultural areas.
http://www.abareconomics.com/corporate/media/2009_releases/22dec_09.html
Thereport - An economic survey of irrigation farms in the Murray-Darling Basin: industry overview and region profiles 2007-08 - was released today by Dr Terry Sheales, Deputy Executive Director, ABARE. The report provides economic and physical profiles of irrigators by region and industry for the 2006-07 and 2007-08 financial years, based on a survey of 900 irrigation farms across 10 regions in the Murray-Darling Basin. 'There is considerable diversity between irrigation farms across the Murray-Darling Basin in terms of area operated, the degree to which farms rely on irrigation and the extent of on farm investment in irrigation infrastructure,' said Dr Sheales.
Release of the Hawke report - media release 21 December 2009
http://www.environment.gov.au/minister/garrett/2009/mr20091221.html
Environment Minister Peter Garrett today released the Final Report by Dr Alan Hawke of the Independent Review of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act. Dr Hawke has prepared a comprehensive report which includes recommendations for significant changes to the Act's operation and administration. A copy of the Hawke report can be downloaded from the review website:
Taskforce report charts new directions for development of Australia's north
A new approach to the sustainable development of Australia's north is based on solid science and traditional Indigenous knowledge, Parliamentary Secretary for Western and Northern Australia, Gary Gray, said as he accepted a report from the Northern Australia Land and Water Taskforce. The Taskforce was convened in June 2007 to establish a better understanding of the opportunities for new and sustainable development in northern Australia. Key priorities for the Taskforce were to find new opportunities for economic development based on water availability and sustainability and report on the possible impact of new development in the region on water balance and quality, the environment, existing water users and the broader community.
New southern Basin water purchasing for 2009-10 - media release 14 December 2009
http://www.environment.gov.au/minister/garrett/2009/mr20091214a.html
A total of $270 million in new water purchasing initiatives in the Murray-Darling Basin has been announced today by the Acting Minister for Water, Peter Garrett. 'By purchasing water from willing sellers and investing in irrigation infrastructure, we are smoothing the transition for irrigation communities as they adjust to new, lower limits on water use that we can expect under the Basin Plan,' Mr Garrett said. A decision on 2009/10 water purchase tender opportunities elsewhere in the Basin will be made in early 2010.
http://www.environment.gov.au/minister/garrett/2009/mr20091208.html
Environment Minister Peter Garrett today announced a $1.79 million investment to save one of Australias most precious wetlands home to more than 12,000 brolgas. Lots of people will know this place as Cromarty wetlands, but for a long time its had another name that I really love - the Aboriginal name for the main wetland is Wongaloo., meaning quiet waters. Wongaloo is only 30 minutes drive from Townsville, so there are great ecotourism opportunities here for local businesses - its one of those great situations where we can benefit both the environment and the economy.
http://www.environment.gov.au/minister/garrett/2009/mr20091208a.html
Sugarcane growers in the Wet Tropics region of the Great Barrier Reef catchment will receive $420,000 funding from the Rudd Government for the Reef Rescue Water Quality Grants and Partnerships. The funding, under Caring for our Country, will help more sugarcane growers to improve the quality of water flowing from their farms into the Great Barrier Reef. For more information on Reef Rescue go to.
http://www.environment.gov.au/minister/garrett/2009/mr20091208b.html
Environment Minister Peter Garrett, today launched a new Sea Country Connections exhibit at Reef HQ Aquarium in Townsville. Minister Garrett said the exhibit, which is funded through the Caring for our Country program, was a great way for the community to explore the unique relationship Indigenous Australians have with the sea. This project is supported by the Reef Rescue Indigenous Land and Sea Country Partnerships Program and Reef HQ Aquarium the National Education Centre for the Great Barrier Reef, through funding from the Australian Government's Caring for our Country.
Coastcare helping combat climate change on our coastline - media release 7 Dec 2009
http://www.environment.gov.au/minister/garrett/2009/mr20091207.html
Themore than 60,000 volunteers in coastal communities around the country should be proud of their role in protecting Australias coastline from the impacts of climate change during Coastcare Week 7-13 December, Environment Minister Peter Garrett said today. We know that climate change will bring rising sea levels and increased storm surges to our coasts, threatening homes and coastal habitats. For more information on Caring for our Country visit.
Traveston Dam gets final no - media release 2 December 2009
Federal Environment Minister Peter Garrett has made his final decision on the Traveston Crossing Dam proposal, determining that the impacts of the proposed dam on threatened species would be too great. 'After carefully considering all the information necessary for me to make my final decision, including the recent comments on my proposed decision by the proponent, the Queensland Coordinator-General and the relevant federal ministers, I have concluded that the Traveston Crossing Dam cannot go ahead without unacceptable impacts on matters of national environmental significance,' Mr Garrett said. The Traveston Dam proposal was assessed by the Australian Government because it had the potential to impact on nationally listed threatened species, migratory species, the Great Sandy Strait Ramsar wetland, and the World Heritage values of Fraser Island.
A 'Green Start' for vulnerable Australians - media release 25November2009
Environment Minister Peter Garrett today announced a new $130 million program to help improve the energy and water efficiency of low-income and disadvantaged Australian households. Visiting the YWCA in Canberra, Mr Garrett said the Rudd Government's Green Start program will connect Australia's most vulnerable households with practical and personal advice and support. 'On average, low-income earners spend a higher proportion of their weekly household budget on energy and water, making these Australians particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change' Mr Garrett said.
Hon Karlene Maywald. FINNISS REGULATOR CONSTRUCTION PUT ON HOLD
Minister for the River Murray Karlene Maywald says recent rains means there is a reduced likelihood of acidification occurring in the
Helping to secure Australia's groundwater future - media release 19 October 2009
http://www.environment.gov.au/minister/kelly/2009/mr20091019.html
19 October 2009 MK 12/2009. This project will improve our understanding of the risk of seawater intrusion to coastal groundwater systems, especially where there is continuing or planned groundwater pumping. Effective metering of groundwater use is critical to managing impacts on groundwater dependent ecosystems, nearby groundwater users and connected surface water resources, and is vitally important in many catchments and irrigation areas.
Expert panel to advise on Coorong and Lower Lakes - media release 12 October2009 http://www.environment.gov.au/minister/wong/2009/mr20091012.html The Australian Government has appointed a new expert scientific panel to provide advice on the long-term management of the Coorong and Lower Lakes, Minister for Climate Change and Water, Senator Penny Wong, announced today. 'The Rudd Government has committed $330 million to support the South Australian Government in addressing the many challenges facing the Coorong, Lower Lakes and Murray Mouth,' Senator Wong said. The Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts has engaged a panel of experts with hydrological and ecological expertise to advise the Federal Government on management options now under development in South Australia.
Report on water reform welcomed - media release 9 October2009
http://www.environment.gov.au/minister/wong/2009/mr20091009.html
Minister for Climate Change and Water, Senator Penny Wong, today welcomed the release of the National Water Commission ( NWC ) 2009 Biennial Assessment. 'Australia faces significant challenges in securing our water supplies, and climate change has raised the bar on water reform, making the challenges even more urgent than we thought,' Senator Wong said. 'That is why we have committed $12.9 billion to a long-term plan, Water for the Future, that has four key priorities: taking action on climate change, securing our water supplies, using water wisely, and supporting healthy rivers.
Turnbull blows Copenhagen delay argument out of the water - media release 8 Oct. 2009.
For the first time the Leader of the Opposition today put forward his three reasons why the Australian Parliament should wait until after Copenhagen to vote on the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS). Mr Turnbull also cited outcomes on technology negotiations at Copenhagen as something that could affect the design of the CPRS. The CPRS Bill does not set a cap on emissions - that will be determined in regulations which will be made after Copenhagen.
OzCar, Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme - transcript 23 June 2009
http://www.environment.gov.au/minister/wong/2009/tr20090623.html
Snippet: One thing is crystal clear here: you are not going to get your Carbon Pollution Reduction Bills through Parliament this week are you?. But really the problem here is not the Senate the problem here is Malcolm Turnbull.
Greenhouse reporting amendment to aid flexibility - joint media release 23 June 2009 http://www.environment.gov.au/minister/wong/2009/mr20090623.html
http://www.bom.gov.au/announcements/media_releases/climate/drought/20090106.shtml
Above to very much above average rainfall over most parts of Australia during November and has resulted in a significant reduction in the total area of short-term rainfall deficiencies. - rainfalls in the lowest 10% of historical totals. A is also available.
http://www.environment.gov.au/minister/wong/2008/pubs/tr20081006.pdf
Interview: CSIRO report on the impact of climate change on Australian fisheries, financial crisis, eating kangaroo - Transcript, 6 October 2008
This is a report funded by the Australian Government and undertaken by the CSIRO and is a preliminary assessment of the challenges posed by climate change for our important fishing industries, for our aquaculture industries and, of course, also for the regional and coastal communities that these industries support.
http://www.environment.gov.au/minister/wong/2008/mr20080930.html
The Australian Government today welcomed the release of the final report of the Garnaut Climate Change Review. Minister for Climate Change and Water, Senator Penny Wong, said Professor Garnaut's independent review was the most comprehensive economic review of climate change since the Stern Review was released in 2006.
http://www.environment.gov.au/minister/wong/2008/mr20080908.html
A new tender to purchase water entitlements to help restore the health of Murray-Darling Basin rivers and wetlands will open next Monday, Minister for Climate Change and Water, Penny Wong, announced today. We expect this new tender will build significantly on the first ever Federal Government water tender that secured around 35 billion litres of extra water entitlement for Basin rivers and wetlands, Senator Wong said.
http://www.mdbc.gov.au/__data/page/29/MR-Lock_10_to_re-open_in_October.pdf
Wentworth's Lock 10 to re-open in October Lock 10 at Wentworth which closed in May this year for major refurbishment will re-open to boat navigation the week beginning 27 October. Murray-Darling Basin Commission Chief Executive Dr Wendy Craik said the works were part of planned, necessary maintenance and upgrading of structures along the Murray. 'Some components of the lock had been in place since it was built in 1929 and were nearing the end of their useful life.
http://www.mdbc.gov.au/__data/page/29/MRDrought_Update_September_2008-doc.pdf
Record low inflows keep Basin in serious drought The outlook for the Murray system remains grim with winter inflows of 670 GL the equal 5th lowest in 117 years of records. That's the stark news in the Murray-Darling Basin Commission's (MDBC) latest Drought Update released today. Chief Executive Dr Wendy Craik AM said August rainfall was below average and inflow during the month of 275 GL was less than a fifth of the long term average of 1,550 GL. 'In the two years ending August, Murray system inflows were 3,540 GL a new record low.
http://www.environment.gov.au/minister/garrett/2008/pubs/sp20080829.pdf
Peter Garrett's speech to the Association of Building Sustainability Assessors (ABSA) National Conference - Speech, 29 August 2008
Senator Penny Wong appoints new commissioners to National Water Commission
29th August 2008
Penny Wong minister for climate change and water has appointed new commissioners for the Australian Government and States and Territories water commission. Penny Wong says that, together the new commissioners strike a balance between environmental and production interests, science and economics perspectives, and rural and urban backgrounds. with expertise also reflecting Murray Darling Basin and non- Basin backgrounds.
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The Age
14 July 2008
THE agonising deaths of hundreds of long-necked tortoises from the Murray mouth and Coorong lakes point to an unfolding ecological disaster worthy of the Third World, South Australian independent senator Nick Xenophon has told a rally.
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The Australian
14 July 2008
THE nation's top water scientists have split over whether the Murray River's stricken lower lakes should be flooded with seawater in an act of desperation to save them.
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The Australian
14 July 2008
DESPERATE communities on the lower reaches of the Murray River are planning a mass protest in Adelaide next month to highlight their plight to upstream states and demonstrate their anger to government.
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The Daily Telegraph
14 July 2008
WITH the nation's iconic Murray River near extinction, water thieves are now public enemy No. 1. |
Drought Update July 2008
URL: http://www.mdbc.gov.au/__data/page/29/Drought-Update-July-2008-MR.pdf
Embargoed until 10.30 am Thursday 10 July, 2008 Murray-Darling Basin drought is getting worse The drought in the Murray-Darling Basin is getting worse with June inflows the lowest on record and autumn inflows only just above the record lows of 2007. That's the grim news in the Murray-Darling Basin Commission's (MDBC) latest Drought Update released today. Chief Executive Dr Wendy Craik AM said inflows in June were 95 GL, lower than the previous record low of 106 GL June 2006. In June 2007 inflows were 220 GL.
3rd July 2008
Murray-Darling focus of COAG agenda
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/07/03/2292813.htm
More Stories
Murray Darling deal delivered 26 March 2008