The Bureau of Meteorology provided an update on water availability and conditions in the Murray–Darling Basin over the next three months including outlooks for rainfall, temperature and soil moisture. Further details are at: http://www.bom.gov.au/
The BOC discussed and were provided an update from the Murray–Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) on water resource availability and key water management activities along the River Murray System, and conditions in the northern and southern Basin.
Members noted the progress of the Integrated River Modelling Uplift Program. The BOC endorsed the scope of the model’s capability and steps to enable sharing of existing catchment models to assist in the development of a whole-of-Basin model. Members noted a prioritisation and delivery process will be established to support delivery of the model capability scope.
The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) provided an update on recent engagement with First Nations groups on the Aboriginal Water Entitlements Program. In late July and early August DCCEEW hosted a series of gatherings with Aboriginal representatives across the Murray–Darling Basin to provide guidance on the program’s criteria. A report on the gatherings will be published shortly.
Mr Peter Harris AO, recently appointed to undertake an independent review into the Inspector-General for Water Compliance, briefed the BOC about the review including timeframes for consultation and production of reports.
Members discussed work being undertaken by the MDBA to review the 2022–2023 flood event in the River Murray System.
The BOC endorsed a paper to be submitted to the Murray–Darling Basin Ministerial Council on the Capacity and Shortfall Program and new proposed nominations for the Capacity and Shortfall Independent Panel of Experts.
A workshop was also convened to discuss implementation of key aspects of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan agreement.
BOC will meet next in November 2023