Murray–Darling Basin Authority, Media Release, 25 July 2023
The Authority welcomed the opportunity to meet with the Hon Tanya Plibersek, Minister for the Environment and Water. In response to her request, the Authority provided the Minister its advice on the current state of Basin Plan implementation. The Authority advised there is no possibility that under current settings full implementation of the Basin Plan can be achieved by 30 June 2024. The Authority considered that ongoing commitment by all Basin governments to implement the Basin Plan in full remains central to giving our rivers the best chance of a healthy future.
The Authority approved the 2023 Sustainable Diversion Limit Adjustment Mechanism Assurance Report. With 16 of the supply and constraints projects unlikely to be operable by 30 June 2024, the Authority estimates a shortfall of between 190 and 315 gigalitres on the expected 605 gigalitres contribution. This important report has been published alongside the mid-year Basin Plan Report Card, which provides an update on the progress in implementing the Basin Plan.
Executive Director of River Management, Andrew Reynolds provided an update on current water resource availability highlighting that the volume of water in storage for the whole-of-Basin remains high overall for this time of the year at 93% capacity. The Bureau of Meteorology’s latest seasonal outlook indicates below median rainfall for coming months is likely for the Basin. The Authority was advised that Dartmouth and Hume Dams are being carefully managed to balance downstream flood mitigation against the priority for water storage.
Members were briefed on the progress of assessment and resubmission of New South Wales water resource plans (WRPs) that are yet to be accredited and operational. The Authority noted the New South Wales Government’s commitment to deliver remaining WRPs and their commitment to progress consultation with First Nations commencing from September 2023.
Members continued their discussion on the ongoing planning and progress for the Basin Plan Review including important work relating to hydroclimate and social and economic considerations and analysis.
Authority members finalised the submission to the Productivity Commission’s Murray–Darling Basin Plan: Implementation Review 2023.
Members approved and agreed to publish the Sustainable Diversion Limits for the 2022–23 year and the Cap Register 2021–22. Members also received an update on the Independent Review of Proposed NSW Baseline Diversion Limits for Floodplain Harvesting: Barwon–Darling SDL Resource Unit. This work will be finalised and published in the coming months.
Members received briefings from the Hon Troy Grant, Inspector-General Water Compliance and his team, Ms Lyn O’Connell, Deputy Secretary of the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, and Dr Nick Austin and Rod Marsh of Watertrust Australia.
The next Authority meeting will be held on Ngunnawal Country (Canberra) on Wednesday 13 September 2023.
- Sir Angus Houston (Chair)
- Professor Stuart Bunn
- Dr Jane Doolan
- Ms Roseanne Healy
- Mr Rene Woods
- Mr Andrew McConville (Chief Executive)
