FEDERAL Environment Minister Tony Burke says he wants to introduce a final plan for the Murray-Darling Basin by the end of the year.
But he admits the power to do so is out of his hands.
Previously Mr Burke has said the plan is on track to be finalised by the end of the year, but he says it's up to the Senate, as they prepare to debate two crucial pieces of legislation this week.
He says he's waiting on the Murray-Darling Basin Authority to approve final changes so he can sign them into law before the end of the year as planned.
The plan he's asked the authority to consider hinges on these two bills passing the Senate, something he's confident will happen but cannot guarantee.
The final plan will set 2750 gigalitres as the starting benchmark for the amount of water to be recovered for the basin environment.
