Murray–Darling Basin Authority, Media Release, 12 February 2024
The Murray–Darling Basin Authority met on 9 February in person on Ngunnawal Country (Canberra). The meeting was chaired by Sir Angus Houston and all members were present.
The Authority met with the Hon Tanya Plibersek Minister for the Environment and Water, to discuss Basin issues. The Authority noted the Minister’s announcement of 30 January 2024 launching new programs to deliver the Basin Plan in full. Members were further briefed by representatives of the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.
Members received updates on the sustainable diversion limit adjustment Mechanism (SDLAM) given changes arising from the Water Amendment (Restoring Our Rivers) Act 2023. The Authority noted that the reform had provided the opportunity for Basin governments to consider new and amended SDLAM projects that must enter operation by 31 December 2026.
Authority members received an update on the progress of remaining New South Wales water resource plans (WRPs) and the draft NSW Aboriginal Water Strategy from representatives of the New South Wales Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water. The Authority expressed ongoing concern with progress in finalising these WRPs.
The Authority welcomed the attendance of Mr Grant Rigney, Chair of Murray Lower Darling Rivers Indigenous Nations (MLDRIN) to present MLDRIN’s priorities.
The Authority received an update on progress of the Independent Hydroclimate Science Expert Panel to develop hydroclimate scenarios. The Authority also received a briefing from the Advisory Committee on Social, Economic and Environmental Sciences (ACSEES). Authority members noted ACSEES would continue to provide strategic guidance on the Sustainable Rivers Audit and other science elements, particularly in the leadup towards the Basin Plan Review.
In closing the meeting, members noted the continued work of MDBA and Basin States to manage storages across the Basin. They were briefed on water quality issues and the relatively high storage levels for this time of year, and the focus of river operators for planning ahead to manage full storages through the winter. The Authority also recognised the work of river operators and thanked staff who maintained essential services over the summer.
- Sir Angus Houston (Chair)
- Professor Stuart Bunn
- Dr Jane Doolan
- Ms Roseanne Healy
- Mr Rene Woods
- Ms Susan Madden
- Mr Andrew McConville (Chief Executive)
