After refusing an extended $13bn Murray-Darling Basin Plan (MDBP) last year, Victoria has changed its tune, while affirming the state’s stance against voluntary water purchasing from farmers.

 By agreeing to the plan, Victoria’s water minister Harriet Shing has unlocked federal funding for water recovery projects. Plibersek said Victoria’s commitment will allow for more funding opportunities for the state and aid in delivering the MDBP in full via Labor’s Restoring Our Rivers Act. With the legislation, Basin states have until 2027 to reach their water recovery targets along with funding and accountability measures.

Shing said Victoria is determined to make sure it continues to help the Commonwealth deliver on the Basin plan but remain opposed to water buybacks.