While in Albury, the BOC met with the Basin Community Committee (BCC) and members of the Murray–Darling Basin Authority (MDBA). The BOC discussed ways of working in collaboration with the MDBA and future priorities for both forums. The BOC additionally appreciated the opportunity to hear directly from members of the BCC including reflections on Basin Plan implementation and the Basin Leadership Summit held in April 2024.
The Commonwealth Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) provided an update on the steps being undertaken to achieve the Australian Government’s commitment to implement the Basin Plan.
The BOC noted the allocation of Northern Basin Toolkit funds to 3 projects in New South Wales (NSW) and the importance that these projects along with the other approved projects deliver tangible outcomes by December 2026 to improve environmental outcomes across the northern Basin. To assist in achieving these outcomes, the BOC approved a revised Terms of Reference for Northern Basin Project Committee and a revised Northern Basin Toolkit Program Logic.
The BOC agreed to progress a Mid-Murrumbidgee River Optimisation proposal to the next stage for further assessment and development by NSW to ensure contribution towards the sustainable diversion limit (SDL) offset.
The Commonwealth DCCEEW provided an update on the steps being undertaken to implement the Australian Government’s commitment to increase First Nation Peoples’ ownership and access to water throughout the Murray–Darling Basin.
The BOC approved the Joint Programs Multi-Year Budget Framework and the Joint Programs Vision and Purpose proposed by the MDBA for progression to the Murray–Darling Basin Ministerial Council for agreement.
In an effort to continue building the resilience of the River Murray system, the BOC approved the Terms of Reference (ToR) and proposed approach for a review of the operation of the Menindee Lakes and to conduct Phase 2 of the Modernising Murray River Systems Measure. The BOC additionally approved the approach for the annual independent review of River Murray system operations for the next three water years and revised Independent River Operations Review Group (IRORG) ToR allowing for a refreshed membership and skillset to refine IRORGs focus.
The BOC noted the commencement of the Annual Governance Review in which the BOC will review key governance documents including membership, ToR and workplans to better strengthen reporting and connections across Committees.
The BOC agreed the development of the 2024 Strategy for River Murray Increased Flows and the pathway for consideration by BOC.
The BOC approved the Murray–Darling Basin Cap Register 2022–23 prior to consideration by the Authority and formal publication.
The BOC completed the annual endorsement of Objectives and Outcomes for River Operations in the River Murray system.
The BOC approved the joint government response to the River Murray 2022–23 Flood Review Report recommendations and noted the response will be published on the Murray–Darling Basin Authority website.
The BOC noted the key operational activities in the northern and southern Basins and the current state of water resource availability and climate outlook for the River Murray system.
BOC will meet next on 22 August 2024.