The Murray Darling Basin Commission (MDBA) has released a discussion paper regarding climate change and the Murray–Darling Basin Plan (mdba.gov.au/publications/mdba-reports/climate-change-murray-darling-basin-plan-discussion-paper).The discussion paper outlines projected climate change impacts, including increases in the intensity of extreme rainfall, time in drought and frequency of severe drought. It also provides examples of potential responses, including changing the type, distribution and timing of crop irrigation.
IAH views this discussion paper as an opportunity to emphasis the role that groundwater has in developing climate-resilient management practices within the Murray–Darling basin, due to its storage capacity, residence times, protected nature and large resilience to climate extremes.
IAH Australia is seeking members’ input into the submission. If you have input, case studies or examples that you’d like included in the submission then please contact IAH via secretariat@iah.org.au. The submission will be finalised by 1 April 2019.
