The Wire

New South Wales, Queensland, the ACT and South Australia have consented to federal management of the the Murray Darling Basin. Talks continue with Victorian premier Steve Bracks who thinks farmers in his state stand to lose out on irrigation. But the real issue, as both irrigators and conservationists are quick to point out – is not who does what, but what gets done. Murray Darling Campaigner with the Australian Conservation Foundation, Dr Arlene Buchan says the real water issue is about entitlement balance. Ron Lennon, chair of Lower Murray waters – a Victorian Irrigation service provide – believes any attempt by the federal government to address water over-allocation is admirable.