The Queensland Farmers’ Federation (QFF) has welcomed the expiration of the parliamentary disallowance period for the Northern Basin Review (NBR) instrument, providing certainty for farmers, irrigation reliant communities and the environment.
QFF President Stuart Armitage said the Senate could no longer repeal the NBR through a disallowance motion meaning northern Murray Darling Basin communities would retain an extra 70GL of water, while still delivering environmental outcomes.
“The NBR will provide much needed certainty for Queensland farmers and Basin communities, and represents a workable way to achieve environmental outcomes while minimising the economic and social impacts on many Basin communities,” Mr Armitage said.
“With the NBR locked in, 36GL less water will now be recovered from Queensland – a much needed and welcome reprieve.”
“The NBR and the Sustainable Diversion Limit (SDL) Adjustment Mechanism are important science and evidence-based refinements to the Murray Darling Basin Plan, that were agreed by all Basin State Governments and the Federal Parliament in 2012.”
“The Murray Darling Basin Plan was a watershed moment for Australian water policy. The NBR clearing this final hurdle recognises the work of Basin communities and successive State and Federal Governments to ensure a healthy river system for the future.”