Legal stoush between Commonwealth and NSW halts crucial water flows into Murray-Darling Basin

A legal dispute between the Commonwealth and New South Wales (NSW) governments has led to the suspension of vital environmental water flows into the Murray-Darling Basin, with scientists warning that long suspensions put some native species of birds and fish at risk.

The Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder (CEWH), Simon Banks, recently announced that he would cease releasing water into the river system due to uncertainties regarding compliance with NSW law. The dispute involves whether environmental water should be treated as "take" under NSW's non-urban water metering policy, which would require it to be metered in the same way as water extracted by irrigators. This interpretation has introduced significant complexity and uncertainty, impacting the CEWH's ability to deliver environmental water in NSW.

Australian National University's Professor Jamie Pittock warned that the suspension posed potential risks to wetland areas and native species of fish and birds. Environmental watering occurs on a multi-year cycle, and missing this wet period could jeopardize critical ecosystems such as the Ramsar-protected Macquarie Marshes.

The NSW government acknowledged a technical flaw in the water legislation and is working towards a resolution. Environmental groups and politicians are urging immediate action to restore flows and safeguard river health.

Read the full story here.