Science behind Murray Darling water cuts questioned

Updated September 02, 2013 12:09:50

Audio: How good is the science behind Queensland Murray Darling water cuts? (ABC Rural)

Landholders at St George in southern Queensland are are being brought up to speed on where the Murray Darling Basin plan's science review in the northern basin is up to.

Under the Murray Darling plan the Federal government wants to return water to the environment, it is doing this by buying back water entitlements and improving on-farm efficiency.

The water buy back and on farm water efficiency target for the lower Balonne is 100 gigalitres and the commonwealth government had already purchased 40 gigalitres, but 60 gigalitres still needs to be found.

The Chairman of the Northern Basin Advisory Committee Mal Peters says they're still looking at how to achieve those results without disrupting people's lives.

"We are very keen to get a clear understanding of the concerns and wishes of the community.

"If there are any further water changes to be made, that in fact, we maintain the economic activity that currently exists in the community."

Mr Peters says a review into the science behind the level of water extraction is underway.

"It has become very clear from the community meetings that there is a deficiency in the science so there needs to be more work in that area."

Topics: murray-darling-basin, agribusiness, irrigation, toowoomba-4350

First posted August 26, 2013 13:50:06