Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Climate Change and Water) Share this | Hansard source

At question time today, Senator Birmingham asked me a question in relation to Menindee Lakes. I have some further information to add to that answer. The government is currently funding two major investigative projects at Menindee. This is to ensure that sound decision-making underpins the implementation of the election commitment. I indicated that already there is a $400 million budgeted commitment. The Australian and New South Wales governments are jointly funding the Darling River Water Savings Project, part B study. This is assessing options to reduce evaporation and achieve water savings at Menindee Lakes and secure Broken Hill’s water supply. In support of the part B study the Broken Hill Managed Aquifer Recharge Project is investigating the potential for groundwater extraction and managed aquifer recharge to secure Broken Hill’s water supply.

The Australian government has committed $16 million and we anticipate both of these reports in the first half of this year. The best figures I have to date in terms of commitments are around $17 million for these two investigations.