Australia's inspector-general of water compliance has heavily criticised the New South Wales government for failing to meet its obligations under the Murray Darling Basin Plan.
Troy Grant says the NSW Government's failure to produce water resource plans (WRPs) is "probably what is the most critical failure of the Murray Darling Basin Plan to date".
Mr Grant, a former deputy premier of NSW, told an audience in Mildura the Commonwealth government should use its 'step-in' powers under the Water Act to intervene if the situation continues.
"This obviously cannot be allowed to go on forever, so the Basin Plan in its design includes a step-in power for the Commonwealth minister to address such a scenario," Mr Grant said.
"I'll let you guess what my first conversation with the new ... Commonwealth [Water] Minister [Tanya Plibersek] may relate to."
Mr Grant said the water resource plans — fine-grain plans for specific parts of the basin used to demonstrate compliance with the national plan — were already three years late.
'Not fair' to other states
The inspector-general said the situation "really isn't fair" to other basin states.
"As it currently stands, New South Wales are getting a free pass because they are late with their plans," he said.
"It really isn't a fair playing field across the basin until all WRPs [water resource plans] are accredited."
He said South Australia, Victoria, Queensland and the ACT had submitted their plans and that he hoped NSW would submit the second draft of its water resource plans by the end of the month.
"And it is also reasonable that the Commonwealth step-in and that step-in powers would become much more likely and, unfortunately, much more necessary."
In a statement, NSW Minister for Lands and Water Minister Kevin Andrews said his job as a minister was to ensure healthy rivers, healthy farms and healthy communities.
"While our diaries have not aligned at this stage, I am looking forward to a meeting with the inspector general, as I am looking forward to meeting with the new Commonwealth Water Minister.
"I look forward to continuing to work with the Murray Darling Basin Authority to establish the most effective short and long-term solutions that will balance the needs of the environment, community and farmers while improving drought security."
A spokesperson for newly appointed federal Environment and Water Minister Tanya Plibersek said she was being briefed by her department on the issue.
