New research featured on ABC Landline suggests water in the Murray–Darling Basin could be managed to support both agriculture and biodiversity, rather than treating environmental and productive water use as separate or competing priorities.

The article highlights north-west NSW grazier Garry Hall, who runs cattle on his Macquarie Marshes property while also supporting the endangered Australian painted snipe. Bird tracking has shown the species travels long distances, reinforcing the importance of well-managed agricultural landscapes for wildlife.

Published in Biological Conservation, the research led by ecologist Dr Matt Herring calls for a more integrated “water-sharing” approach. Examples include rice farms in the Riverina, where water used for crops can also provide breeding habitat for endangered waterbirds.

With a review of the Murray–Darling Basin Plan underway, the study suggests policy settings could better support integrated water use. Farming groups, including the National Farmers Federation, have described smarter water use as a practical and positive step forward.

You can read the full article on the ABC website.