Queensland has become the first and only state to have all its Queensland Murray Darling Basin Water Plans accredited by the Commonwealth Government.

“This is the final sign-off to a number of years of work completed by the Palaszczuk Government working closely with industry and communities,” Natural Resources Minister Dr Anthony Lynham said today.

Accreditation of the Border Rivers and Moonie water plan and the Condamine Balonne water plan comes on top of previous accreditation of the Warrego, Paroo and Nebine water plan, making Queensland the first state in the Murray Darling Basin to have all our plans given the seal of approval,” Dr Lynham said.

“These plans have delivered on Basin Plan sustainability commitments, on time and in full, while also delivering improved water management outcomes for Queensland communities.

“The water plans have expanded water markets by converting approximately 600 licences, or more than 39 gigalitres of water, into tradeable water allocations.

“These trading opportunities will help drive economic development across the south-west and border region, with rural and town businesses able to buy, sell and lease surplus water.

“At the same time, targets for measuring water use and new regular reporting on the take of overland flow water in high use areas will ensure Queensland meets its environmental and sustainability requirements under the Murray-Darling Basin Plan.

Dr Lynham said the plans also included greater recognition of Aboriginal cultural and economic needs.

“The plans provide for unallocated water reserves that will be used to support economic opportunities, cultural sites and the protection of important local fish, birds and water holes,” he said.

Five-yearly reports will be prepared in consultation with Aboriginal people to support the water flow requirements for their cultural values and use.

“Queensland has delivered on its Basin Plan commitments on time and in full and I now call on the Commonwealth to honour its commitment to recovering water to meet Basin Plan sustainable diversion limits,” Dr Lynham said.

“Queensland and all Basin State communities deserve certainty about where and when the water recovery will occur so they can plan accordingly.”