The Murray-Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) has confirmed it will have completed its work on the new Basin Plan in mid-October to allow for it to be finalised and printed by November.

 

The plan, which has been plagued by a series of delays, will be released to the public for a 20-week consultation period.

 

MDBA Chairman Craig Knowles has urged patience in the formation of the plan, saying that the complexities of water governance meant that the process would be time consuming and, at times, cumbersome. Mr Knowles said that time must be taken to ensure that more effective and efficient water governance, environmental works and cohesion were implemented in the Basin Plan.

 

“If the extra time allows a higher degree of collaboration and joint ownership of a plan for the Murray–Darling Basin it will be well and truly worthwhile,” Mr Knowles said.