NSW LEADS THE WAY IN IMPLEMENTING THE MURRAY-DARLING BASIN AGREEMENT
State Plan Priority E1: A secure and sustainable water supply for all users
NSW Water Minister, Phillip Costa said NSW continues to lead the nation in implementing water reform by today becoming the first Murray-Darling Basin state to pass legislation to empower the new Murray-Darling Basin Authority.
"The NSW Parliament today passed a vital piece of legislation to empower the new independent Murray-Darling Basin Authority to manage the Basin's water resources in a holistic, sustainable manner," Mr Costa said.
"This is a victory for commonsense.
"Future generations will thank us for what we have achieved today.
"I call on the other states to quickly follow-suit and I look forward to working cooperatively with them to implement these important changes."
The Minister explained that NSW will retain the majority of its water management powers. However, the powers of the old Murray-Darling Basin Commission will be transferred to the new Authority, along with powers to meet the critical human water needs of the entire Basin.
"In addition some water pricing and trade powers have been referred to the Commonwealth and will eventually be managed through the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission," he said.
"This will ensure that equitable and consistent rules are applied throughout the entire Basin, which will help minimise barriers to water trade."
In closing, the Minister said that it's now up to the other states to make the necessary legislative changes in time for the Commonwealth to pass new water management rules when Federal Parliament sits in October.
This will enable the Murray-Darling Basin Agreement to commence on 1 November, the deadline agreed to by all states on 3 July.
