I used to live in the Riverina.
I can only say that the 'Irrigation' set-up and network is absolutely astounding, impressive and very effective.
Even in a flood, thanks to the 'canals', the water always has somewhere to run and move to ...unlike floods everywhere else that just sit there like a dirty duck-pond.
It is an amazing place of Farming excellence. So much so, that besides so much 'Food Production' work out there - the place is a scenic beauty with all the Rural efforts.
The CSIRO had put forth the idea of $10 billion to reproduce another version of the Riverina in Diamantina/Gulf of Carpentaria area up north in QLD/NT.
Now, as for the Murray/Darling river systems having their water 'pilfered' by anyone and everyone for whatever reason? Well, for starters - you will have Farmers using water to meet their quotas, even if they don't actually 'need' that amount. Because, if they don't - their quota will be less the following year.
When in South Australia - yes, you would be well advised not to mention the 'water issue'
It's a very very sore issue and you are just asking for trouble if you don't watch your delivery. Just coming from NSW or QLD in that discussion will have you 'shirt-fronted' in a second
. I kid you not!
Long ago - the 'Water' issue, nearly erupted in 'WAR', regarding some of the 'water Barons' as they were known.
Water is far far more valuable than GOLD! People will get violent over the issue. What you saw on TV/Media is nothing, absolutely nothing!
My only view on the matter is that SOUTH AUSTRALIA will never get the 'justice' on this. They will continue to just get the ...trickle on effect. No way will the Government (regardless of Party) have the Power (enforcement) to stop what is going on.
South Australia is best to just seek an 'alternative route' to the problem.
My advice has always been (right from one of my first topics on this Forum many years ago) - that South Australia, in partnership with the NT, should build their own 'CANAL SYSTEM' running from the areas of the NT that are heavily monsoonal and flood prone - to drain down into South Australia more effectively than what either the Murray or Darling rivers can provide.
The benefit will be to both the NT and SA directly.
Other than that - SA really does need to plant a lot of trees to attract more rainfall. I can say this easy - because the State is almost barren of 'proper Trees' but for a few small spots.
The Murrumbidgee & lower MD Irrigation Scheme ... especially when used as flood irrigation on marginal country has caused massive problems with altering natural water tables & salinity destruction of farm land.