The Victorian Government has confirmed its $30.65 million contribution to the Murray-Darling Basin Authority.

State Minister for Water, Peter Walsh, said that the Victorian Government’s contribution to the MDBA’s joint programs will help drive key research projects, such as the Murray Darling Freshwater Research Centre.

“The research centre, a funding beneficiary of the MDBA, provides  information that helps manage environmental watering for the benefit of  Murray-Darling Basin species and ecosystems,” Mr Walsh said.   

“The centre has strong connections with Mildura and the wider regional  community and with other agencies. The centre also has strong knowledge of  key Basin sites including Lindsay Island, Hattah Lakes and Mulcra Island.   

“MDBA funding directed to the research centre will go towards research and  monitoring work, including helping to guide decisions on the best use of  water recovered through the Living Murray project for use at these iconic  sites.”

The Victorian Coalition Government’s 2013-14 Budget also includes $3  million for the Murray-Darling Basin Plan to develop modelling over three  years to minimise the complexity of water sharing arrangements, and ensure  the maximum volume of offsets is identified.   

“The Victorian Government believes a practical Murray-Darling Basin Plan  can achieve environmental improvements with smarter use of less water,  which will ease the impact on communities and jobs,” Mr Walsh said.