The Authority noted the independent review under way, which is intended to strengthen the MDBA’s advice to the Basin Officials Committee, and that continued engagement with basin states, asset managers and basin officials would be essential to the budget process as the project matured.
Chief executive Andrew McConville provided an overview of current operational and strategic issues.
MDBA governance and reporting matters were also considered during the meeting.
Members noted the draft MDBA 2023-24 annual report and work under way to finalise financial statements.
Progress of the Basin Plan Review was discussed, with the Authority members noting continued work to engage jurisdictions and basin communities in MDBA early planning and considerations for the review.
Members observed the recent MDBA webinar covering the Early Insights Paper as an additional activity to ensure the review is undertaken with basin stakeholders and in a transparent manner.
Members welcomed representatives of the Victorian Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, Deputy Secretary Water and Catchments Dr Kirsten Shelly and Director, Intergovernmental, Dr Jessica Freame.
An update was provided on current water policy priorities in Victoria including water security, emergency management, Traditional Owner access to water and environmental outcomes and governance.
In relation to the Murray-Darling Basin Plan, discussion focused on progress of current sustainable limit adjustment mechanism (SDLAM) projects and collaboration with the MDBA on constraints implementation.
Members also received an update from the Commonwealth Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.
The Authority acknowledged the comprehensive work to review and modernise Schedule D of the Murray-Darling Basin Agreement.
Modernising Schedule D supports the general improvements occurring across the water markets.
The Authority considered the SDL accounting assessment of incomplete recovery and agreed to the adjustment of the Registers of Take for 2023-24.
Members discussed the importance of the Constraints Relaxation Implementation Roadmap to set a clear and pragmatic pathway for relaxing constraints over the next ten years.
The Authority encouraged further work on the system-wide value proposition under climate change. Mechanisms to support a co-ordinated long term program delivery were explored.
Updates on current River Murray conditions, water resource availability and MDBA management activities were received.
The Authority noted drier conditions have impacted system inflows, with demands increasing across the system.
Progress on a number of upcoming appointments were noted, including recruitment for the Basin Community Committee (BCC) to fill six vacancies arising in March 2025, and nominations for Authority membership as terms expire.
