A three-person independent panel has been appointed to review the $1.775 billion Water for the Environment Special Account (WESA) which funds the purchase of environmental water in the Murray-Darling Basin.
With a 10-year time frame, $1.575 billion of WESA’s budget is projected to fund the recovery of 450 gigalitres of environmental water with neutral or improved social and economic outcomes.
A further $200 million will contribute to the easing or removal of constraints to deliver the environmental water.
The Water Act 2007 provides for two reviews of the WESA. The independent panel will conduct the first of these reviews, to be completed by early 2020.
Minister for Water Resources, David Littleproud said that as well as evaluating the WESA resources, the panel would review the progress made to date and consider the anticipated work required to reach the target by 2024.
“It will also consider whether the design of projects is likely to be effective,” Mr Littleproud said.
“The panel will undertake consultation with stakeholders to inform the review, including inviting submissions from the public.”
He said the three panellists were Sally Farrier (Chair), Simon Lewis and Merran Kelsall.
“Together they bring a wealth of expertise and experience in Commonwealth water matters, spanning public and private sectors, and including expertise in policy, engineering, infrastructure, governance, audit, risk, finance and the water sector,” Mr Littleproud said.
Information about the review can be accessed from the Department of Agriculture’s website at this PS News link.
