The BOC welcomed an overview from Mr Matthew Dadswell, Head of the Water Resource Division of the Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water (DCCEEW) on developments with the BOC Strategic Priorities dashboard. Members agreed that a review of the strategic priorities would be done by BOCA and brought back to BOC at their next meeting.
The BOC also received an update from Mr Andrew Reynolds, Executive Director River Management at the Murray–Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) on the flooding across the River Murray system. BOC heard that the MDBA had trialled weekly briefings for stakeholders downstream from Hume Dam to Yarrawonga which were well attended and helped manage stress for those in impacted areas. The feedback post event was constructive and appeared to be a worthwhile initiative to be considered in future flood response plans.
Mr Reynolds also spoke about the need to reflect on the management of air space at the Hume Dam and the need to review the information used to calculate air space conditions in ensuring that flood mitigation was appropriate and defensible in the future.
BOC were taken through proposed steps to undertake a review of the recent floods and the River Management system infrastructure rules, as requested by ministers at the Ministerial Council meeting on 24 February 2023. Members encouraged the MDBA to converse with jurisdictions in relation to resourcing and ensuring alignment with existing processes.
Mr Reynolds provided an overview of the Strategic Asset Management Plan which is a requirement under the Murray Darling Basin Agreement. The BOC endorsed the plan and agreed that it be recommended to the next meeting of the Ministerial Council for approval.
The BOC considered nominations for the Independent River Operations Review Group (IRORG), which will provide assurance to the joint venture that the MDBA is fulfilling its River Operations functions including meeting the Objectives and Outcomes set by the BOC. Members agreed to extend the current IRORG arrangements and membership by one year for the 2022–23 water year review and agreed for the replacement of an environmental water specialist on the panel.
Mr Dadswell provided an update on progress in strengthening First Nations involvement in Water Management noting that a workshop was held in Sydney on 9 March 2023 with the Basin Officials Committee Alternates (BOCA) and state indigenous water management representatives. Future workshops were being planned with philanthropic organisations and indigenous peak bodies. Members agreed to report on progress to the next Ministerial Council.
An update was provided to members on the status of the Integrated River Modelling Update (IRMU). Engagement with jurisdictions was continuing. Mr Greg Manning, Executive Director of Basin Strategy and Knowledge at the MDBA spoke to critical co-dependencies of the project and confirmed consultation activities will be undertaken to ensure design work is developed with the end user needs in focus.
BOC members endorsed the annual review of objectives and outcomes for river operations in the River Murray system which are to take effect on 1 June 2023 and discussed the end of the 3-year review of trade adjustments trials. Members agreed that the in-stream trade delivery would remain in scope and the MDBA would continue to look for opportunities to perform this trial.
Members noted the completion of the River Murray System Environmental Water Implementation Report 2021–22 and that the report has been provided to the Independent River Operations Review Group for their consideration.
Members agreed to adopt the Source Accounts Model as the new model to undertake water accounts on the River Murray System, commencing from the start of the new water year on 1 June 2023 and noted that the MDBA will continue to work with the Water Liaison Working Group to maintain the water accounts.
BOC endorsed the Environmental Water Committee (EWC) Terms of Reference and noted the approach to identify topics included as part of the EWC roles and responsibilities.
The Chair announced upcoming membership changes including that Jarrod Cowley-Grimmond would be the incoming BOC member for QLD to replace Ms Linda Dobe for the foreseeable future. Mr Cowley-Grimmond would also sit on the National Water Reform Committee. Members were also notified that Mr Matthew Dadswell would act in Ms Rachel Connell’s position at the Commonwealth Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water while Ms Connell is on 3 months leave.
The next meeting of the BOC is currently scheduled for 14 June 2023 as part of the River reflections conference in Narrabri, New South Wales.
About the BOC
The BOC has 6 members – one senior official from each Basin jurisdiction, including the Australian Government – and provides advice to both the MDBA and the Murray–Darling Basin Ministerial Council on matters such as Basin Plan implementation and Basin water management policy. The BOC also makes high-level decisions on River Murray operations.
BOC’s workplan is aligned to deliver the priorities that Basin water ministers agreed in November 2020.