Some regional councils have come out in support of Federal Government moves to reduce Murray-Darling buybacks and spend on infrastructure.

The changed priorities mean the buyback will drop from 1,500 gigalitres to 1,300, but the money will be used to fund irrigation efficiency measures.

The Riverina and Murray Regional Organisation of Councils in southern New South Wales, which represents 18 different council areas, welcomes the move.

The group says it supports the measures as they will improve food production, allowing farmers to make savings through productivity.

Federal Parliamentary Secretary for the Environment Simon Birmingham says the Government will spend $2.3 billion on infrastructure and efficiency projects, to deliver the Basin water plan in a sustainable way

National Irrigators Council chairman Gavin McMahon says river communities along the Murray will benefit, if the efficiency improvements are successful.

But the Australian Conservation Foundation says it will put more pressure on farmers.

Conservationists say buying less water will only mean a bigger reliance on farm efficiency, something the Government has not adequately bolstered.

Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young says the Government has picked an inefficient way to restore river health, claiming that buying back water to return to the river for environmental flows would bring the best security.