The federal government has struck a deal with Labor to guarantee the future of the Murray Darling Basin Plan.

The Greens were planning to block key changes to the policy in the senate today.

But the Opposition has been given assurances there are enough checks and balances to ensure the river system is sufficiently protected.

They include establishing a Northern Basin Commissioner, tightening compliance measures, $40 million to support Basin indigenous communities.

It also will see 450 Giga Litres of up water in the northern basin recovered through on farm efficiencies.

The SDL projects in the Southern Basin that’ll generate 605 Giga Litres in savings will also go ahead, under increased transparency.

Ahead of today’s vote in the Senate, Rural Reporter Eddie Summerfield caught up with New South Wales Regional Water Minister Niall Blair:

Download this podcast here