Federal Water Resources Minister David Littleproud said the projects would return the same outcome as another 605Gl of water.
‘‘Farmers have to be smart with water, now we’re being efficient with environmental water too,’’ Mr Littleproud said.
‘‘We’re investing $129million across NSW, Victoria and South Australia to minimise water losses when delivering it to the environment.
‘‘This means we don’t have to buy back another 605Gl in the southern basin.
‘‘This gives southern basin communities and irrigators greater certainty and confidence to invest.’’
In NSW, more efficient water management will improve floodplains and wetlands at Yanco Creek and Millewa Forest, better native fish passages are being built across weirs to improve habitat and breeding and funding will also go towards design and approval of the Menindee Lakes Project and engagement with the local community.
In Victoria, supply measure projects will return more natural flows across 15000ha of high value floodplains and will contribute to the health of the Murray River and the local communities.
Mr Littleproud said many of the projects were already under way.