Water compliance in the Murray-Darling Basin will be examined after the federal government announced an independent review.

The review will specifically look at the Inspector-General for Water Compliance’s ability to take action against those who take more water than they’re entitled.

This week, the coalition declared it would oppose Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek’s new Murray-Darling Basin plan, which was brokered with basin states except Victoria.

The new plan became necessary because the old one wasn’t on track to hit 2024 water recovery targets.

Former Productivity Commission chair Peter Harris will lead the review, which will report back to the government by January and is aimed at ensuring the Inspector-General has the requisite powers.

Mr Harris has previously led the Victorian government’s sustainability and environment departments.

Ms Plibersek said Australia’s “most precious resource” must be managed appropriately.

“This independent review will provide recommendations to government on any changes required to ensure the Inspector-General can effectively monitor basin states, and hold them to account, if more water is extracted from our rivers than is allowed,” she said in a statement.

“Mr Harris brings with him a wealth of experience in the public sector and has previously led on large-scale reviews, including the Sydney Airport Demand Management Scheme in 2021.”

Ms Plibersek declared her commitment to delivering the Murray-Darling Basin Plan in full and restoring trust and transparency across the basin.

The new plan extends timelines and introduces the options of voluntary water buybacks, which some states and the federal coalition oppose because of the impact it could have on access and the price of water.

Water buybacks allow farmers to sell their water directly to the government.

– AAP