National

Labor strikes deal to pass Murray-Darling changes

By AAP Newswire

Nov 29, 2023

Independent senator David Pocock at a press conference (file) — David Pocock says he is comfortable in supporting the government on the Murray-Darling Basin Plan. -AAP Image

An overhaul to the Murray-Darling Basin Plan will go ahead after the Albanese government secured crossbench agreement.

Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content

The $13 billion plan aimed to return 450 gigalitres of water to the environment by June 2024 but that deadline will be moved to the end of 2027.

ACT independent senator David Pocock announced on Wednesday he had cut a $50 million deal with the government to support their legislation making changes to the plan.

The government clarified $20 million had been set aside for the Murrumbidgee River, with $30 million in contingency.

With the backing of the Greens, Senator Pocock and another independent senator David Van, the government has the numbers it needs to pass its legislation which is before the upper house.

Senator Pocock said he was now comfortable to support the bill in the Senate.

"Part of my ask for supporting an update was that the government look after the upper Murrumbidgee and they've come to the table," he told reporters.

The Murrumbidgee catchment supports Canberra, Wagga Wagga and many other regional communities.

The coalition is opposed to the legislation.

By AAP Newswire

Australian Associated Press