Untitled document
COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA
Water Act 2007
Basin Plan
I, Tony Burke, Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities, acting under subparagraph 44(3)(b)(i) of the Water Act 2007, hereby adopt this Basin Plan, being the Basin Plan given to me by the Murray‑Darling Basin Authority under subparagraph 44(2)(c)(ii) of that Act.
Tony Burke
Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities
Dated 22 November 2012
Basin Plan
Water Act 2007
The Murray-Darling Basin Authority has prepared this Basin Plan for subparagraph 44(2)(c)(ii) of the Water Act 2007.
Acknowledgement of the Traditional Owners of the Murray-Darling Basin
The Murray-Darling Basin Authority acknowledges and pays its respect to the Traditional Owners and their Nations of the Murray-Darling Basin. The contributions of earlier generations, including the Elders, who have fought for their rights in natural resource management are also valued and respected.
The Authority recognises and acknowledges that the Traditional Owners and their Nations in the Murray-Darling Basin have a deep cultural, social, environmental, spiritual and economic connection to their lands and waters. The Authority understands the need for recognition of Traditional Owner knowledge and cultural values in natural resource management associated with the Basin. Further research is required to assist in understanding and providing for cultural flows. The Authority supports the belief of the Northern Murray-Darling Basin Aboriginal Nations and the Murray Lower Darling Rivers Indigenous Nations that cultural flows will provide beneficial outcomes for Traditional Owners.
The approach of Traditional Owners to caring for the natural landscape, including water, can be expressed in the words of Ngarrindjeri elder Tom Trevorrow: “our traditional management plan was don’t be greedy, don’t take any more than you need and respect everything around you. That’s the management plan—it’s such a simple management plan, but so hard for people to carry out.”[1]
[1] Tom Trevorrow (2010) Murrundi Ruwe Pangari Ringbalin “River Country Spirit Ceremony: Aboriginal Perspectives on River Country”.
This traditional philosophy is widely held by Traditional Owners and respected and supported by the Murray-Darling Basin Authority.
Contents
Chapter 1—Introduction 1
Part 1—Preliminary 1
1.01Name of instrument.................................................................... 1
1.02Making and effect of Basin Plan................................................. 1
1.03Application of Basin Plan........................................................... 1
1.04Commencement......................................................................... 1
Part 2—Structure of the Basin Plan 1
1.05Simplified outline....................................................................... 1
Part 3—Interpretation 4
1.06Where terms are defined............................................................ 4
1.07Definitions................................................................................. 4
1.08Basin Plan not to be inconsistent with Snowy Water Licence...... 12
1.09Construction of provisions imposing obligations on States........ 12
1.10Reasonable excuse for not producing or providing information etc 13
1.11Avoidance of double counting of forms of take........................ 13
Part 4—Agreements with regard to jurisdictional implementation obligations 13
1.12Agreements with regard to jurisdictional implementation obligations 13
Chapter 2—Basin water resources and the context for their use 14
2.01Description located in Schedule 1............................................. 14
Chapter 3—Water resource plan areas and water accounting periods 15
Part 1—Preliminary 15
3.01Simplified outline..................................................................... 15
3.02Time at which area becomes water resource plan area................ 15
3.03Datasets for identification of water resource plan areas............. 15
3.04Flexibility relating to boundaries of water resource plans............ 16
Part 2—Water resource plan areas 16
3.05Water resource plan areas—surface water................................. 16
3.06Water resource plan areas—groundwater................................... 17
3.07Water resource plan areas—surface water and groundwater........ 18
Part 3—Water accounting periods 19
3.08Water accounting period for each water resource plan area........ 19
Chapter 4—Identification and management of risks to Basin water resources 20
Part 1—Preliminary 20
4.01Simplified outline..................................................................... 20
Part 2—Risks and strategies to address risks 20
4.02Risks to condition, or continued availability, of Basin water resources, and consequential risks 20
4.03Strategies to manage, or address, identified risks..................... 21
4.04Authority may publish guidelines............................................... 22
Chapter 5—Management objectives and outcomes to be achieved by Basin Plan 23
5.01Simplified outline..................................................................... 23
5.02Objectives and outcome for Basin Plan as a whole.................... 23
5.03Objectives and outcome in relation to environmental outcomes.. 24
5.04Objective and outcome in relation to water quality and salinity.... 24
5.05Objective and outcomes in relation to long-term average sustainable diversion limits 24
5.06Objective and outcome for operation of the SDL adjustment mechanism 25
5.07Objectives and outcome in relation to trading in the water market 25
Chapter 6—Water that can be taken 27
Part 1—Preliminary 27
6.01Simplified outline..................................................................... 27
Part 2—Long-term average sustainable diversion limits 27
Division 1—Identification of SDL resource units........................................... 27
6.02Identification of surface water SDL resource units...................... 27
6.03Identification of groundwater SDL resource units....................... 28
Division 2—Long-term average sustainable diversion limits....................... 28
6.04Long-term average sustainable diversion limits.......................... 28
6.05SDL resource unit shared reduction amount............................... 29
6.06Reviews of the Basin Plan........................................................ 30
Part 3—Temporary diversion provision 32
6.07Temporary diversion provision.................................................. 32
Part 4—Method for determining compliance with long-term annual diversion limit 32
Division 1—Register of take.............................................................................. 32
6.08Register of take....................................................................... 32
Division 2—Method for determining compliance........................................... 33
6.09Method for determining compliance with long-term annual diversion limit 33
6.10Step 1—Calculation of annual permitted take and annual actual take 33
6.11Step 2—Record difference between annual actual take and annual permitted take 33
6.12Step 3—Determine whether there is non-compliance.................. 34
Part 5—Allocation of risks in relation to reductions in water availability 35
6.13Risks arising from reduction in diversion limits.......................... 35
6.14Risks arising from other changes to the Basin Plan.................... 35
Chapter 7—Adjustment of SDLs 36
Part 1—Preliminary 36
7.01Simplified outline..................................................................... 36
7.02Interpretation............................................................................ 37
7.03Meaning of supply measure...................................................... 38
7.04Meaning of efficiency measure................................................. 39
7.05Consultation with Basin Officials Committee.............................. 39
7.06Public consultation................................................................... 39
7.07Combined proposals................................................................ 39
7.08Constraints management strategy............................................. 40
Part 2—Adjustment of surface water SDLs for notified measures 40
Division 1—Objective......................................................................................... 40
7.09Objective................................................................................. 40
Division 2—When Authority must propose appropriate adjustments......... 41
7.10Initial adjustments to be proposed in 2016................................. 41
7.11Reconciliation adjustments to be proposed in 2024................... 42
Division 3—Notification and recording of relevant matters.......................... 43
7.12Notification of measures relevant to adjustment of SDLs........... 43
7.13Register of measures............................................................... 43
Division 4—Determining amounts of adjustments........................................ 44
7.14Preliminary............................................................................... 44
7.15Contribution to adjustments from supply measures.................... 44
7.16Contribution to adjustments from efficiency measures............... 45
7.17Ensuring that criteria for amounts of adjustments are satisfied... 46
7.18Apportionment of supply contribution to affected units.............. 47
7.19Overall limitation on size of adjustment amounts........................ 47
7.20Final determination of amounts in 2016..................................... 47
7.21Final determination of amounts in 2024..................................... 48
Part 3—Adjustments relating to shared reduction amounts 48
7.22Objective................................................................................. 48
7.23Adjustments relating to shared reduction amounts..................... 48
Part 4—Adjustments relating to groundwater 49
7.24Objective................................................................................. 49
7.25Adjustments relating to groundwater......................................... 49
7.26Overall limitation on size of groundwater adjustment amounts.... 50
Part 5—Independent audit of calculations 50
7.27Independent audit of Authority’s calculations............................. 50
Chapter 8—Environmental watering plan 51
Part 1—Preliminary 51
8.01Simplified outline..................................................................... 51
8.02Purpose of Chapter.................................................................. 51
8.03Effect of environmental watering plan on Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder 52
Part 2—Overall environmental objectives for water-dependent ecosystems 52
8.04Overall environmental objectives............................................... 52
8.05Protection and restoration of water-dependent ecosystems........ 53
8.06Protection and restoration of ecosystem functions of water-dependent ecosystems 53
8.07Ensuring water-dependent ecosystems are resilient to climate change and other risks and threats..................................................................................... 55
Part 3—Targets by which to measure progress towards objectives 55
8.08Targets by which to measure progress towards achieving objectives 55
8.09Assessment of progress towards objectives in Part 2................ 56
Part 4—Environmental management framework 56
Division 1—Preliminary..................................................................................... 56
8.10Outline of this Part................................................................... 56
8.11Objectives of environmental management framework................. 57
8.12Interpretation............................................................................ 57
Division 2—Basin-wide environmental watering strategy............................ 57
8.13Obligation to prepare Basin-wide environmental watering strategy 57
8.14Content of the Basin-wide environmental watering strategy......... 58
8.15Preparation of Basin-wide environmental watering strategy......... 58
8.16Publication of Basin-wide environmental watering strategy......... 59
8.17Review and update of Basin-wide environmental watering strategy 60
Division 3—Long-term watering plans............................................................ 60
8.18Obligation to prepare long-term watering plans.......................... 60
8.19Content of long-term watering plans.......................................... 60
8.20Preparation of long-term watering plans.................................... 62
8.21Provision and publication of long-term watering plans................ 62
8.22Review and update of long-term watering plans......................... 63
Division 4—Annual environmental watering priorities.................................. 63
8.23Obligation to identify annual environmental watering priorities..... 63
8.24Content of annual environmental watering priorities.................... 64
8.25Preparation of annual environmental watering priorities............... 65
8.26Provision of annual environmental watering priorities.................. 66
Division 5—Basin annual environmental watering priorities....................... 66
8.27Obligation to prepare Basin annual environmental watering priorities 66
8.28Content of Basin annual environmental watering priorities........... 66
8.29Preparation of Basin annual environmental watering priorities..... 67
8.30Publication of Basin annual environmental watering priorities...... 69
8.31Review and update of Basin annual environmental watering priorities 69
Division 6—Principles to be applied in environmental watering.................. 69
Subdivision A—Principles to be applied in environmental watering............ 69
8.32Outline of Subdivision.............................................................. 69
8.33Principle 1—Basin annual environmental watering priorities......... 69
8.34Principle 2—Consistency with the objectives in Part 2................ 69
8.35Principle 3—Maximising environmental benefits......................... 69
8.36Principle 4—Risks.................................................................... 70
8.37Principle 5—Cost of environmental watering.............................. 70
8.38Principle 6—Apply the precautionary principle........................... 71
8.39Principle 7—Working effectively with local communities............. 71
8.40Principle 8—Adaptive management........................................... 71
8.41Principle 9—Relevant international agreements.......................... 71
8.42Principle 10—Other management and operational practices........ 71
8.43Principle 11—Management of water for consumptive use........... 71
Subdivision B—Reporting in relation to Basin annual environmental watering priorities 71
8.44Reporting required where Basin annual environmental watering priorities not followed 71
Division 7—Planning for recovery of additional environmental water........ 72
8.45Outline of Division................................................................... 72
8.46Planning for the recovery of additional environmental water........ 72
8.47Reporting required where Authority’s recommendations not followed 72
Part 5—Methods for identifying environmental assets and ecosystem functions and their environmental watering requirements 73
8.48Environmental assets and ecosystem functions database.......... 73
8.49Method for identifying environmental assets and their environmental watering requirements 73
8.50Method for identifying ecosystem functions that require environmental watering and their environmental watering requirements......................................... 74
8.51Determination of the environmental watering requirements of environmental assets and ecosystem functions................................................................ 74
Part 6—Principles and method to determine priorities for applying environmental water 75
Division 1—Principles to be applied to determine priorities........................ 75
8.52Outline of Division................................................................... 75
8.53Principle 1—Consistency with principles of ecologically sustainable development and international agreements........................................................... 76
8.54Principle 2—Consistency with objectives................................... 76
8.55Principle 3—Flexibility and responsiveness............................... 76
8.56Principle 4—Condition of environmental assets and ecosystem functions 76
8.57Principle 5—Likely effectiveness and related matters................. 77
8.58Principle 6—Risks and related matters...................................... 77
8.59Principle 7—Robust and transparent decisions.......................... 78
Division 2—Method to be used to determine priorities................................. 78
8.60How to determine priorities for applying environmental water...... 78
8.61Determining the resource availability scenario............................ 78
8.62Seasonal, operational and management considerations............. 79
Chapter 9—Water quality and salinity management plan 80
Part 1—Preliminary 80
9.01Simplified outline..................................................................... 80
Part 2—Key causes of water quality degradation in Murray-Darling Basin 80
9.02Types of water quality degradation and their key causes............ 80
Part 3—Water quality objectives for Basin water resources 81
9.03Outline of this Part................................................................... 81
9.04Objectives for water-dependent ecosystems............................. 81
9.05Objectives for raw water for treatment for human consumption... 81
9.06Objective for irrigation water..................................................... 82
9.07Objective for recreational water quality...................................... 82
9.08Objective to maintain good levels of water quality..................... 82
9.09Salt export objective................................................................ 82
Part 4—Water quality targets 83
Division 1—Preliminary..................................................................................... 83
9.10Outline of this Part and purpose of targets................................ 83
9.11Failing to achieve a target......................................................... 83
9.12Most stringent target applies.................................................... 84
9.13Guidelines............................................................................... 84
Division 2—Targets for managing water flows.............................................. 84
9.14Targets for managing water flows............................................. 84
Division 3—Water quality targets for water resource plans......................... 85
9.15Purpose of Division................................................................. 85
9.16Water quality targets for fresh water-dependent ecosystems...... 85
9.17Water quality targets for irrigation water..................................... 86
9.18Water quality targets for recreational water................................ 87
Division 4—Salinity targets for the purposes of long‑term salinity planning and management 87
9.19Salinity targets......................................................................... 87
Chapter 10—Water resource plan requirements 88
Part 1—Preliminary 88
10.01Simplified outline..................................................................... 88
Part 2—Identification of water resource plan area and other matters 89
10.02Identification of water resource plan area and water resources.... 89
10.03Identification of SDL resource units and water resources............ 89
10.04Form of water resource plan..................................................... 89
10.05Regard to other water resources............................................... 90
10.06Matters relating to requirements of Chapter............................... 90
10.07Consultation to be demonstrated.............................................. 90
Part 3—Incorporation and application of long-term annual diversion limit 91
Division 1—Water access rights....................................................................... 91
10.08Water access rights must be identified...................................... 91
10.09Identification of planned environmental water and register of held environmental water 91
Division 2—Take for consumptive use............................................................ 92
10.10Annual determinations of water permitted to be taken................ 92
10.11Rules for take, including water allocation rules........................... 92
10.12Matters relating to accounting for water..................................... 93
10.13Limits on certain forms of take................................................. 94
10.14Effects, and potential effects, on water resources of the water resource plan area 95
Division 3—Actual take...................................................................................... 95
10.15Determination of actual take must be specified......................... 95
Part 4—The sustainable use and management of water resources 96
Division 1—Sustainable use and management.............................................. 96
10.16Sustainable use and management of water resources................ 96
Division 2—Surface water................................................................................. 96
10.17Priority environmental assets and priority ecosystem functions.. 96
Division 3—Groundwater.................................................................................. 97
10.18Priority environmental assets dependent on groundwater........... 97
10.19Groundwater and surface water connections.............................. 97
10.20Productive base of groundwater............................................... 98
10.21Environmental outcomes relating to groundwater....................... 98
Division 4—How requirements have been met............................................... 99
10.22Description of how requirements have been met........................ 99
Part 5—Interception activities 99
10.23Listing types of interception activity.......................................... 99
10.24Monitoring impact of interception activities.............................. 100
10.25Actions to be taken................................................................ 100
Part 6—Planning for environmental watering 101
10.26Planning for environmental watering........................................ 101
10.27Enabling environmental watering between connected water resources 101
10.28No net reduction in the protection of planned environmental water 102
Part 7—Water quality objectives 102
10.29Water resource plan to include WQM Plan............................... 102
10.30WQM Plan to identify key causes of water quality degradation. 102
10.31Measures addressing risks arising from water quality degradation 102
10.32WQM Plan to identify water quality target values...................... 102
10.33WQM Plan to identify measures.............................................. 103
10.34WQM Plan to identify locations of targets for irrigation water.... 104
10.35Impact of WQM Plan on another Basin State........................... 104
Part 8—Trade of water access rights 104
10.36Application of Part................................................................. 104
10.37Circumstances in which conditions in section 12.24 are met...... 104
10.38Circumstances in which conditions in section 12.25 are met...... 104
10.39Circumstances in which conditions in section 12.26 are met...... 105
Part 9—Approaches to addressing risks to water resources 105
10.40Definitions............................................................................. 105
10.41Risk identification and assessment methodology..................... 105
10.42Description of risks................................................................ 106
10.43Strategies for addressing risks............................................... 106
Part 10—Measuring and monitoring 107
10.44Information relating to measuring take—water access entitlements 107
10.45Supporting measuring............................................................ 107
10.46Monitoring water resources..................................................... 107
Part 11—Reviews of water resource plans 108
10.47Review of water resource plans............................................... 108
10.48Amendment of water resource plan......................................... 108
Part 12—Information used to prepare water resource plan 108
10.49Best available information....................................................... 108
10.50Methods used to develop water resource plan......................... 108
Part 13—Extreme events 108
10.51Measures in response to extreme events................................. 108
Part 14—Indigenous values and uses 109
10.52Objectives and outcomes based on Indigenous values and uses... .. 109
10.53Consultation and preparation of water resource plan................ 110
10.54Cultural flows......................................................................... 110
10.55Retention of current protection................................................ 110
Chapter 11—Critical human water needs 111
Part 1—Preliminary 111
11.01Simplified outline................................................................... 111
11.02Definitions............................................................................. 111
Part 2—Water required to meet critical human water needs 111
11.03Amount of water required to meet critical human water needs (Act paragraph 86B(1)(a)) 111
11.04Conveyance water required to deliver water for critical human water needs (Act paragraph 86B(1)(b))............................................................................... 112
11.05Water quality and salinity trigger points (Act paragraph 86B(1)(c)) 112
Part 3—Monitoring, assessment and risk management 113
11.06Process for assessing inflow prediction (Act paragraph 86C(1)(b)) 113
11.07Process for managing risks to critical human water needs associated with inflow prediction (Act paragraph 86C(1)(b))........................................................ 113
11.08Risk management approach for inter-annual planning (Act paragraph 86C(1)(c)) 115
Part 4—Tier 2 water sharing arrangements 116
Division 1—When Tier 2 water sharing arrangements apply..................... 116
11.09Commencement of Tier 2 water sharing arrangements (Act paragraph 86D(1)(a)) 116
11.10Cessation of Tier 2 water sharing arrangements (Act paragraph 86D(1)(b)) 117
Division 2—Tier 2 reserves policy.................................................................. 117
11.11Reserves policy (Act paragraph 86D(1)(c))............................... 117
11.12Meeting the annual shortfall in conveyance water..................... 117
11.13Application of the conveyance reserve provisions of the Agreement 118
11.14Arrangements for carrying water over in storage....................... 118
Part 5—Tier 3 water sharing arrangements 119
11.15Commencement of Tier 3 water sharing arrangements (Act paragraph 86E(1)(a)) 119
11.16Cessation of Tier 3 water sharing arrangements (Act paragraph 86E(1)(b)) 120
Chapter 12—Water trading rules 122
Part 1—Preliminary 122
12.01Simplified outline................................................................... 122
12.02Application of Chapter to certain water access rights............... 122
12.03Water delivery rights to which this Chapter applies................... 123
12.04Reference to a trade to, from or between places...................... 123
12.05Recovery of loss or damage................................................... 123
Part 2—Restrictions on trade of tradeable water rights 125
Division 1—Trade of tradeable water rights................................................. 125
Subdivision A—All water resources—right to trade free of certain restrictions 125
12.06Separate rights....................................................................... 125
12.07Class of persons.................................................................... 125
12.08Purpose for which water is used.............................................. 125
12.09Take and use of water after a trade......................................... 125
12.10Use outside Murray-Darling Basin............................................ 126
12.11Trade of water allocation which has been carried over.............. 126
12.12Access to carryover for traded water access rights.................. 126
12.13Overallocation........................................................................ 126
12.14Level of use of water access right........................................... 126
12.15Trade must not be made conditional on water delivery right...... 127
Subdivision B—Additional rules relating to surface water......................... 127
12.16Free trade of surface water..................................................... 127
12.17Trade not to be subject to volumetric limit............................... 127
12.18Restrictions allowable for physical or environmental reasons.... 128
12.19Basin States to notify the Authority of restrictions.................... 128
12.20Basin State may request Authority to make declaration............ 129
12.21Exchange rates not to be used in a regulated system............... 129
12.22Authority may permit exchange rates in limited circumstances.. 129
12.23Restrictions on delivery of water under a tagged water access entitlement established on or after 22 October 2010............................................................. 130
Subdivision C—Additional rules relating to groundwater.......................... 131
12.24Trade within a groundwater SDL resource unit.......................... 131
12.25Trade between groundwater SDL resource units....................... 131
12.26Trade between groundwater and surface water......................... 132
Subdivision D—Miscellaneous............................................................... 132
12.27Restrictions allowable for breaches of State water management law 132
Division 2—Trade of water delivery rights.................................................... 132
12.28No unreasonable restriction of trade of water delivery rights..... 132
12.29When restriction of trade is reasonable.................................... 133
12.30Irrigation infrastructure operator must give reasons for restricting trade of water delivery right 133
Part 3—Information about water delivery rights and irrigation rights 134
Division 1—General......................................................................................... 134
12.31Object of this Part.................................................................. 134
Division 2—Water delivery rights to be specified by irrigation infrastructure operators 134
12.32Obligation on irrigation infrastructure operator to specify water delivery rights and give notice 134
12.33Obligation on irrigation infrastructure operator to give notice if water delivery right is changed 135
Division 3—Irrigation rights to be specified by irrigation infrastructure operators 135
12.34Obligation on irrigation infrastructure operator to specify irrigation rights and give notice 135
12.35Obligation on irrigation infrastructure operator to give notice if irrigation right is changed 136
Part 4—Approval processes for trade of water access rights 136
Division 1—General......................................................................................... 136
12.36Object of this Part.................................................................. 136
Division 2—Approval authority’s other activities......................................... 137
12.37Approval authority must disclose interest before trade occurs.. 137
12.38Approval authority must disclose if it has been a party to a trade 137
12.39Approval authority to give reasons for restricting trade............. 137
Part 5—Information and reporting requirements 138
Division 1—General......................................................................................... 138
12.40Object of this Part.................................................................. 138
12.41Authority to publish information it is given under this Part......... 138
Division 2—Information about water access rights..................................... 138
12.42Water access rights to which this Division applies.................... 138
12.43Information about water access rights to be made available..... 138
12.44Types of information about water access rights....................... 139
Division 3—Trading rules to be made available........................................... 140
12.45Interpretation.......................................................................... 140
12.46Basin State must make trading rules available.......................... 140
12.47Irrigation infrastructure operator must make trading rules available 140
Division 4—Trading prices to be made available......................................... 141
12.48Price of trade to be reported................................................... 141
Division 5—Information to be made available.............................................. 142
12.49Interpretation.......................................................................... 142
12.50Water announcements must be made generally available.......... 143
12.51Person not to trade if aware of water announcement before it is made generally available 143
12.52Chinese wall arrangements for agencies.................................. 143
Chapter 13—Program for monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of the Basin Plan 145
Part 1—Preliminary 145
13.01Simplified outline................................................................... 145
13.02Personal information not required............................................ 145
Part 2—Principles to be applied 146
13.03Principles of responsibility for monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of the Basin Plan 146
13.04Other principles to be applied in monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of the Basin Plan 146
Part 3—Evaluations, reviews, audits and assessments 148
Division 1—Evaluation of Basin Plan............................................................ 148
13.05Purpose of evaluation............................................................ 148
13.06Key evaluation questions........................................................ 149
Division 2—Reviews of water quality targets and environmental watering plan 149
13.07Purpose of reviews................................................................ 149
13.08Reviews of the water quality and salinity management plan targets 149
13.09Reviews of the environmental watering plan............................. 150
Division 3—Audits............................................................................................ 150
13.10Audits.................................................................................... 150
Division 4—Assessments of Basin condition............................................... 151
13.11Periodic assessments of Basin condition................................ 151
Division 5—Evaluations, reviews and audits to inform changes to, and implementation of, Basin Plan.............................................................................................. 151
13.12Evaluations, reviews and audits to inform changes to, and implementation of, Basin Plan 151
Part 4—Reporting requirements 152
13.13Definitions............................................................................. 152
13.14Reporting requirements for Basin States, the Department etc... 152
13.15Agreements in relation to reporting requirements...................... 152
13.16Guidelines for reporting requirements...................................... 153
Part 5—Publication of information 153
13.17Publication of monitoring information...................................... 153
13.18Publication of evaluation findings and recommendations......... 154
13.19Publication of findings and recommendations arising from reviews 154
13.20Publication of audit reports..................................................... 154
13.21Publication of findings of assessments................................... 154
13.22Publication of reports produced under Part 4........................... 154
Part 6—Improving monitoring, evaluation and reporting capabilities 155
13.23Improving monitoring, evaluation and reporting capabilities...... 155
Schedule 1—Basin water resources and the context for their use 156
Schedule 2—Matters relating to surface water SDL resource units 170
Schedule 3—BDLs for surface water SDL resource units 177
Schedule 4—Matters relating to groundwater SDL resource units 201
Schedule 5—Enhanced environmental outcomes referred to in paragraph 7.09(e) 214
Schedule 6—Default method for calculation of supply contribution 216
Part 1—Description 216
S6.01Simplified outline................................................................... 216
Part 2—Method 217
S6.02Benchmark model.................................................................. 217
S6.03Indicator sites and regions that are to be used......................... 218
S6.04Things that are to be measured or assessed............................ 219
S6.05Ecological elements of the scoring method............................. 219
S6.06How the method is to be applied............................................. 220
S6.07Limits of changes in score or outcomes.................................. 221
Schedule 7—Targets to measure progress towards objectives 223
Schedule 8—Criteria for identifying an environmental asset 224
Schedule 9—Criteria for identifying an ecosystem function 226
Schedule 10—Key causes of water quality degradation 227
Schedule 11—Target values for target application zones 231
Schedule 12—Matters for evaluation and reporting requirements 243
Chapter 1—Introduction
Part 1—Preliminary
1.01 Name of instrument
This instrument is the Basin Plan 2012.
1.02 Making and effect of Basin Plan
(1) The Basin Plan is made under Part 2 of the Act.
(2) The Basin Plan has the effect provided for in sections 34, 35, 36, 37, 86G and 86H of the Act.
1.03 Application of Basin Plan
The Basin Plan applies to Basin water resources.
Note: See section 4 of the Act for the meaning of Basin water resources.
1.04 Commencement
(1) The Basin Plan, apart from Chapter 12, commences on the day after it is registered.
(2) Chapter 12 commences on 1 July 2014.
Part 2—Structure of the Basin Plan
1.05 Simplified outline
(1) The following table provides a summary of the Basin Plan:
SUMMARY OF THE BASIN PLAN Title Subject matter Chapter 1 Introduction The structure of the Basin Plan, definitions of terms used in the Plan as well as agreements with regard to jurisdictional implementation obligations. Chapter 2 Basin water resources and the context for their use The description of Basin water resources and the context in which those resources are used (item 1 of the table in subsection 22(1) of the Act). The details are set out in Schedule 1. Chapter 3 Water resource plan areas and water accounting periods The identification of the particular areas that are to be water resource plan areas and the periods that are to be the water accounting periods for each of those areas (item 2 of the table in subsection 22(1) of the Act). Chapter 4 Identification and management of risks to Basin water resources The identification of the risks to the condition, or continued availability, of the Basin water resources and the strategies to be adopted to manage, or address, those risks (items 3 and 5 of the table in subsection 22(1) of the Act). Chapter 5 Management objectives and outcomes to be achieved by the Basin Plan The management objectives and outcomes to be achieved by the Basin Plan (item 4 of the table to subsection 22(1) of the Act). Chapter 6 Water that can be taken The long-term average sustainable diversion limits, the temporary diversion provisions, and the method for determining whether the long-term annual diversion limit has been complied with and the extent of any failure to comply with that limit (items 6, 7 and 8 of the table in subsection 22(1) of the Act). This Chapter also includes matters required by Division 4 of Part 2 of the Act which relate to the allocation of risks in relation to reductions in water availability, and provisions for the Authority to conduct research and investigations. Chapter 7 Adjustment of SDLs The Authority may propose adjustments to the long-term average sustainable diversion limits under section 23A of the Act. These may be made by amendment to the Basin Plan under section 23B of the Act. The Chapter also provides for a constraints management strategy. Chapter 8 Environmental watering plan The plan for the protection and restoration of the wetlands and other environmental assets of the Murray-Darling Basin; for the protection of biodiversity dependent on Basin water resources; and for achieving other environmental outcomes for the Murray-Darling Basin (item 9 of the table in subsection 22(1) of the Act). Chapter 9 Water quality and salinity management plan Water quality and salinity objectives, water quality targets for planning of water flows, water quality targets that apply to the preparation of the water resource plans, and water quality targets for the purposes of long‑term salinity planning and management (item 10 of the table in subsection 22(1) of the Act). This Chapter also includes the key causes of water quality degradation in the Murray-Darling Basin. Chapter 10 Water resource plan requirements The requirements that a water resource plan must comply with for it to be accredited or adopted under Division 2 of Part 2 of the Act (item 11 of the table in subsection 22(1) of the Act). Chapter 11 Critical human water needs The arrangements for meeting critical human water needs (Part 2A of the Act). Chapter 12 Water trading rules The rules for the trading of tradeable water rights in relation to Basin water resources (item 12 of the table in subsection 22(1) of the Act). Chapter 13 Program for monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of the Basin Plan The program that will be used to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the Basin Plan. Specific Commonwealth and Basin State reporting requirements are also included (item 13 of the table in subsection 22(1) of the Act). Schedule 1 Basin water resources and the context for their use The description of Basin water resources and the context in which those resources are used. Schedule 2 Matters relating to surface water SDL resource units Surface water SDL resource units and long-term average sustainable diversion limits for those units. Schedule 3 BDLs for surface water SDL resource units The BDL for each surface water SDL resource unit. Schedule 4 Matters relating to groundwater SDL resource units Groundwater SDL resource units; groundwater covered by those units; BDLs for those units; and long-term average sustainable diversion limits for those units. Schedule 5 Enhanced environmental outcomes referred to in paragraph 7.09(e) Outcomes that will be pursued under the Commonwealth’s program to increase the volume of water resources available for environmental use by 450 GL per year. Schedule 6 Default method for calculation of supply contribution Provisions for quantifying supply adjustments for Part 2 of Chapter 7. Schedule 7 Targets to measure progress towards objectives Targets by which to measure progress towards achieving the environmental objectives specified in Part 2 of Chapter 8. Schedule 8 Criteria for identifying an environmental asset Criteria for identifying an environmental asset. Schedule 9 Criteria for identifying an ecosystem function Criteria for identifying an ecosystem function. Schedule 10 Key causes of water quality degradation Key causes of water quality degradation. Schedule 11 Target values for target application zones Water quality targets that apply for target application zones. Schedule 12 Matters for evaluation and reporting requirements Matters relating to the objectives and outcomes against which the effectiveness of the Basin Plan will be evaluated and on which the Authority, the Basin States, the Department and the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder are required to report. (2) Most Chapters are divided into Parts, Divisions and Subdivisions within the Chapter and these are made up of sections.
(3) Each section is numbered with the number before the decimal point referring to the Chapter number (for example, section 5.04 is the fourth section in Chapter 5).
Part 3—Interpretation
1.06 Where terms are defined
Many terms used in the Basin Plan have special meanings. Some are defined in the Act, and have the same meaning in the Basin Plan unless it provides otherwise. See also the list of definitions in section 1.07.
Note: See section 13 of the Legislative Instruments Act 2003.
1.07 Definitions
(1) In the Basin Plan:
Act means the Water Act 2007.
adaptive management is taken to include the following steps:
(a) setting clear objectives;
(b) linking knowledge (including local knowledge), management, evaluation and feedback over a period of time;
(c) identifying and testing uncertainties;
(d) using management as a tool to learn about the relevant system and change its management;
(e) improving knowledge;
(f) having regard to the social, economic and technical aspects of management.
advance means an advance determined by the Authority in accordance with clause 102C of the Agreement or clause 7 of Schedule H to the Agreement.
Note: Some provisions of the Basin Plan refer explicitly to only one of these 2 kinds of advances.
ADWG means the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines published by the National Health and Medical Research Council and the Natural Resource Management Ministerial Council in 2011.
Agreement means the Murray‑Darling Basin Agreement, as amended from time to time in accordance with that agreement and as set out in Schedule 1 to the Act.
Note: This is the same as the definition in section 18A of the Act. Other terms used in the Act have the same meaning in the Basin Plan unless the Basin Plan otherwise provides: see section 1.06.
allocation announcement means an announcement specifying the volume of water allocated to water access entitlements.
Note: An announcement could increase, decrease or leave unchanged the quantity of water allocated.
annual actual take has the meaning given by section 6.10.
annual environmental watering priorities has the meaning given by section 8.23.
annual permitted take has the meaning given by section 6.10.
ANZECC Guidelines means the Australian and New Zealand Guidelines for Fresh and Marine Water Quality published by the Australian and New Zealand Environment and Conservation Council and the Agriculture and Resource Management Council of Australia and New Zealand in 2000.
approval authority, in relation to the proposed trade of a water access right, means a person whose approval is required under State water management law for the trade to proceed.
asset class means a class of environmental asset.
Example: Floodplain, riparian forest or billabong.
basic right means any of the following:
(a) a right under State water management law to take water for domestic or stock purposes;
(b) a harvestable right under the Water Management Act 2000 of New South Wales;
(c) a native title right.
Basin annual environmental watering priorities has the meaning given by section 8.27.
Basin-wide environmental watering strategy has the meaning given by section 8.13.
BDL (baseline diversion limit) means the baseline limit of take from an SDL resource unit. This baseline limit is:
(a) for a surface water SDL resource unit—the quantity of water calculated in accordance with column 2 of the table in Schedule 3 for that SDL resource unit; and
(b) for a groundwater SDL resource unit—the quantity of water specified in column 3 of the table in Schedule 4 for that SDL resource unit.
carryover announcement means an announcement made by a Basin State as to when water allocations covered by a carryover arrangement may be taken.
carryover arrangement means an arrangement which allows a water access right holder to retain water allocations not taken in a water accounting period for possible take in the next water accounting period.
commercial plantation means an area of land on which perennial woody plants are planted primarily for commercial purposes (other than the production of food).
Note: Some examples of commercial purposes are the production of timber, woodchip, oil or biofuel, or the commercial exploitation of the carbon sequestration capacity of the plants.
conveyance reserve has the meaning given by clause 2 of the Agreement.
data includes metadata.
deep drainage means the volume of water that moves below the root zone, whether or not the water enters the saturated zone and becomes recharge to the groundwater system.
Department means the Commonwealth Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities.
de-watering means controlling or lowering the level of groundwater within an aquifer.
EC means electrical conductivity, expressed in microsiemens per centimetre (µS/cm).
ecological objective means an objective for the protection, and if necessary restoration, of a priority environmental asset or priority ecosystem function.
ecological target means a target that must be met in order to achieve an ecological objective.
environmental assets and ecosystem functions database has the meaning given by section 8.48.
environmental water recovery recommendations has the meaning given by section 8.46.
environmental watering requirements means the environmental watering requirements of a priority environmental asset or priority ecosystem function, as the case may be, identified using the methods set out in Part 5 of Chapter 8.
floodplain harvesting means the taking of water from a floodplain, including after it leaves a watercourse during a flood.
form of take means any of the following forms of take:
(a) take from a watercourse;
(b) take from a regulated river;
(c) take by floodplain harvesting;
(d) take by runoff dams;
(e) net take by commercial plantations;
(f) take from groundwater;
(g) take under basic rights.
generally available: information is generally available if it has been published in a manner that will, or will be likely to, bring it to the attention of interested members of the public.
groundwater resource means a Basin water resource consisting of:
(a) groundwater; or
(b) an aquifer (whether or not it has water in it).
groundwater SDL resource unit has the meaning given by section 6.03.
Guidelines for Managing Risks in Recreational Water means the Guidelines for Managing Risks in Recreational Water published by the National Health and Medical Research Council in 2008.
historical climate conditions means the climatic conditions for the period July 1895 to June 2009 represented by the best available records of hydrological and meteorological information for that period.
hydraulic connectivity means the ease with which, or the rate at which, groundwater moves:
(a) within an aquifer; or
(b) between aquifers; or
(c) between aquifers and the adjacent or overlying surface water system.
hydrologic connections and water supply considerations has the meaning given by section 12.18.
Indigenous uses has the meaning given by section 10.52.
Indigenous values has the meaning given by section 10.52.
listed threatened ecological community has the meaning given by section 528 of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.
listed threatened species has the meaning given by section 528 of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.
local reduction amount, for an SDL resource unit, means:
(a) the quantity of water identified in column 2 of Schedule 2 as the local reduction amount for the unit; or
(b) if no quantity is identified—zero.
location-related right has the meaning given by section 12.06.
long-term watering plan has the meaning given by section 8.18.
major storages has the meaning given by clause 2 of the Agreement.
MDBA Technical Report 2010/20 means the Murray-Darling Basin Authority Technical Report 2010/20 titled Water Resource Assessments for Without Development and Baseline Conditions Version 2 published by the Authority in November 2011.
MDBA Technical Report 2011/01 means the Murray-Darling Basin Authority Technical Report 2011/01 titled Comparison of Watercourse Diversion Estimates in the Proposed Basin Plan with other Published Estimates Version 2 published by the Authority in November 2011.
native title right has the meaning given by section 223 of the Native Title Act 1993.
natural monthly water temperature means the natural monthly water temperature that is estimated either through modelling or through the actual measurement of temperature at representative undisturbed locations.
net take, in the context of a commercial plantation, means the difference between the take by a commercial plantation and the take by the vegetation existing at the site of the plantation before the plantation commenced.
NTU means a nephelometric turbidity unit.
overturn means the remixing of a stratified water body.
physical constraint means a natural formation or a physical structure (for example, a pipe or channel) that limits the volume of water that can pass a given location.
priority ecosystem function has the meaning given by section 8.50.
priority environmental asset has the meaning given by section 8.49.
raw water means water in its natural state prior to any treatment.
recharge means the inflow of water, including precipitation, to a groundwater resource.
reconfiguration or decommissioning work has the meaning given by section 12.29.
recovery of environmental water means the acquisition of a water access right for the purpose of achieving an environmental outcome.
register of take means the register of take referred to in section 6.08.
regulated river means:
(a) in New South Wales—a river that has been declared in accordance with the Water Management Act 2000 of New South Wales to be a regulated river before the commencement of the Basin Plan;
(b) in Victoria—a river where the flow is regulated through the operation of large dams or large weirs.
regulated system means a surface water system in which water in a watercourse can be stored or flow levels can be controlled, through the use of structures such as large dams or large weirs.
related party, in relation to an approval authority, means:
(a) an entity in which the approval authority has a controlling interest; or
(b) a natural person who is acting on behalf of the approval authority in return for a commission or fee.
resource availability scenario has the meaning given by section 8.61.
restrict, in relation to trade, includes refuse, prevent, deter, delay or impose a condition or a barrier on, and restriction has a corresponding meaning.
runoff dam means a dam or reservoir that collects surface water flowing over land.
Note: In New South Wales, a runoff dam may also collect water from a first- or second-order stream.
SDL means the long-term average sustainable diversion limit.
SDL resource unit means the water resources, or particular parts of the water resources, of a water resource plan area that is either a surface water SDL resource unit or groundwater SDL resource unit.
SDL resource unit shared reduction amount has the meaning given by section 6.05.
shortfall in conveyance water means the shortfall calculated in accordance with subsection 86D(2) of the Act.
soil degradation, for the purposes of the objective for irrigation water in section 9.06 and the targets for irrigation water in section 9.17, means reduced permeability and soil structure breakdown caused by the level of sodium in the irrigation water, assessed using the sodium adsorption ratio.
surface water resource means a Basin water resource consisting of:
(a) surface water; or
(b) a watercourse, lake or wetland (whether or not it has water in it).
surface water SDL resource unit has the meaning given by section 6.02.
tagged water access entitlement has the meaning given by section 12.23.
target application zone has the meaning given by section 9.16.
tier of water sharing arrangements means either Tier 1 water sharing arrangements, Tier 2 water sharing arrangements or Tier 3 water sharing arrangements, within the meaning of the Agreement.
transformation means the transformation of the whole, or a part, of an irrigation right into a water access entitlement in accordance with transformation arrangements.
transformation arrangements means arrangements of the kind referred to in paragraph 97(1)(a) of the Act.
unregulated system means a surface water system that is not a regulated system.
volumetric limit has the meaning given by section 12.17
water accounting period:
(a) other than in Chapter 11—has the meaning given by section 3.08; and
(b) in Chapter 11—has the meaning given by section 11.02.
water announcement has the meaning given by section 12.49.
Water for Rivers means the Joint Government Enterprise Limited, a public company limited by guarantee with the registered business name ‘Water for Rivers’.
water market intermediary means any of the following:
(a) a person who trades tradeable water rights on behalf of another person in exchange for a commission or fee;
(b) a person who investigates tradeable water right trading possibilities on behalf of a potential water market participant for a commission or fee;
(c) a person who prepares documents necessary for the trade of a tradeable water right on behalf of a potential water market participant for a commission or fee;
(d) a person who provides a trading platform or water exchange for tradeable water rights.
water quality includes salinity.
water quality characteristic:
(a) other than in Chapter 11—means a characteristic of water quality for which Part 4 of Chapter 9 sets a target value; and
(b) in Chapter 11—has the meaning given by section 11.02.
water register means a record of water access rights in a Basin State.
water resource assessment means an assessment (including one for the purpose of a determination under clause 102(c) of the Agreement) of the amount of water that will be available:
(a) for distribution to New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia during a particular period; and
(b) for holding in reserve at the end of the period;
taking into account matters including:
(c) the volume of water held in the major storages; and
(d) estimated water use during the period; and
(e) assumed or forecast inflows during the period.
water supply authority means an infrastructure operator that treats and supplies water for human consumption.
water use approval means an authority to use water on specified land or in a specified watercourse.
Wimmera-Mallee Pipeline Project means the joint water infrastructure project with the name ‘The Wimmera-Mallee Pipeline Project’ undertaken by Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water Corporation and funded by the Commonwealth and Victoria.
works approval means an authority to construct and use water supply works (including pumps, bores and dams).
worst case planning water resource assessment means a water resource assessment taking into account the minimum inflow sequence to the River Murray System.
WQM Plan means a water quality management plan for a water resource plan area made in accordance with Part 7 of Chapter 10.
(2) In the Basin Plan, a reference to trade includes a reference to transfer.
(3) To avoid doubt, trade includes:
(a) a trade that does not involve the payment of consideration; and
(b) a trade between places under which ownership of the right being traded does not change; and
(c) the establishment of a leasing arrangement; and
(d) the establishment of a tagged water access entitlement.
(4) To avoid doubt:
(a) a reference to the commencement of the Basin Plan is a reference to commencement under subsection 1.04(1); and
(b) a reference to the commencement of Chapter 12 is a reference to commencement under subsection 1.04(2).
Note: A number of provisions of the Basin Plan require decision-makers to ‘have regard to’ certain matters when performing functions and making decisions. The phrases ‘have regard to’ and similar phrases are intended to be interpreted consistent with case law, as it develops from time to time and as applied with appropriate regard to the circumstances. This note is intended to reflect the case law and not to limit its application or development. When a decision‑maker is required to ‘have regard to’ particular matters, it is expected that the decision‑maker will give those matters proper, genuine and realistic consideration, even if not ultimately bound to act in accordance with those matters. A requirement to ‘have regard to’ a particular matter or matters does not mean that the decision-maker cannot have regard to other relevant matters, for example, the benefits and costs of taking a particular action. See section 1.07 of the explanatory statement in relation to the Basin Plan for further information about the phrases ‘have regard to’, ‘having regard to’ and ‘regard must be had’.
1.08 Basin Plan not to be inconsistent with Snowy Water Licence
A provision of the Basin Plan has no effect to the extent to which the provision is inconsistent with the provisions of the licence issued under section 22 of the Snowy Hydro Corporatisation Act 1997 of New South Wales.
1.09 Construction of provisions imposing obligations on States
If:
(a) the Basin Plan purports to impose an obligation on a Basin State to do a particular thing; and
(b) the imposition of that obligation would contravene a constitutional doctrine restricting the obligations that the Commonwealth may impose on a State;
the Basin Plan is taken, instead of imposing the obligation, to confer a discretion on the Basin State to do the thing.
1.10 Reasonable excuse for not producing or providing information etc
If the Basin Plan requires a person or body to produce or provide information, a notice or a document, the person or body need not comply with the requirement if the person or body has a reasonable excuse for non-compliance.
1.11 Avoidance of double counting of forms of take
For the purposes of the Basin Plan, in ascribing a particular quantity of water that is taken to a form of take, the quantity of water must be ascribed to one, and only one, form of take.
Note: It will often be possible to ascribe a quantity of water that is taken under basic rights either to take under basic rights, or to another form of take. In such a case, this section does not stipulate to which form of take the quantity of water should be ascribed. However, some other provisions of the Basin Plan do stipulate this. See for example Schedule 3.
Part 4—Agreements with regard to jurisdictional implementation obligations
1.12 Agreements with regard to jurisdictional implementation obligations
(1) The Authority may enter into an agreement with a Basin State with respect to any implementation obligation the Basin Plan purports to impose onto that Basin State.
(2) The Authority must consult the Commonwealth and other Basin States in relation to such an agreement.
(3) The Authority and a Basin State must use their best endeavours to enter into any such agreement within 2 years after the commencement of the Basin Plan.
(4) Any agreement must be developed having regard to:
(a) any relevant agreement made, or in the process of being made, with another Basin State; and
(b) any relevant circumstances of the Basin State; and
(c) any relevant Commonwealth-State agreements, including funding agreements.
(5) The Authority must publish an agreement under this section on its website.
Note: Entry into an agreement, or a failure to enter into an agreement, does not affect the commencement or operation of the Basin Plan.
Chapter 2—Basin water resources and the context for their use
2.01 Description located in Schedule 1
The description of the Basin water resources and the context in which those resources are used (item 1 of the table in subsection 22(1) of the Act) is set out in Schedule 1.
Chapter 3—Water resource plan areas and water accounting periods
Part 1—Preliminary
3.01 Simplified outline
(1) This section sets out a simplified outline of this Chapter.
(2) Part 2 identifies the particular areas that are to be water resource plan areas (item 2 of the table in subsection 22(1) of the Act).
Note: A map of the water resource plan areas can be obtained from the Authority’s website.
(3) Part 3 identifies the periods that are to be the water accounting periods for each of those water resource plan areas (item 2 of the table in subsection 22(1) of the Act).
3.02 Time at which area becomes water resource plan area
An area identified in Part 2 as a water resource plan area becomes a water resource plan area on the commencement of the Basin Plan.
3.03 Datasets for identification of water resource plan areas
(1) A reference in section 3.05 to an area of a particular name is a reference to the area within the polygon of that name specified in the dataset that:
(a) is titled Murray-Darling Basin Water Resource Plan Areas—Surface Water; and
(b) has a dataset scale of 1:250,000; and
(c) is held by the Authority at the commencement of the Basin Plan.
(2) A reference in section 3.06 to an area of a particular name is a reference to the area within the polygon of that name specified in the dataset that:
(a) is titled Murray-Darling Basin Water Resource Plan Areas—Groundwater; and
(b) has a dataset scale of 1:250,000; and
(c) is held by the Authority at the commencement of the Basin Plan.
(3) A reference in section 3.07 to an area of a particular name is a reference to the area within the polygon of that name specified in both the datasets mentioned in subsections (1) and (2).
(4) The Authority must publish on its website a map that:
(a) identifies each water resource plan area; and
(b) is prepared using the relevant dataset mentioned in this section.
3.04 Flexibility relating to boundaries of water resource plans
If a segment of the boundary of a water resource plan area, as specified in a dataset mentioned in section 3.03, is also the boundary of the Murray-Darling Basin, the water resource plan for the area may specify a different course for that segment within the Murray-Darling Basin, provided that the changed boundary:
(a) meets the requirements of item 2 of the table in subsection 22(1) of the Act; and
(b) does not result in a material change in the water resources to which the water resource plan area applies.
Part 2—Water resource plan areas
3.05 Water resource plan areas—surface water
Note: See section 1.07 for the meaning of surface water resource.
Each of the following named areas is a water resource plan area that applies to the surface water resources indicated:
(a) Australian Capital Territory (surface water)—all surface water resources in the area;
(b) Barwon-Darling Watercourse—all surface water resources in the area;
(c) New South Wales Border Rivers—all surface water resources in the area;
(d) Northern Victoria—all surface water resources in the area;
(e) Gwydir—all surface water resources in the area;
(f) Intersecting Streams—all surface water resources in the area;
(g) Lachlan—all surface water resources in the area;
(h) Macquarie-Castlereagh—all surface water resources in the area;
(i) Murrumbidgee—all surface water resources in the area;
(j) New South Wales Murray and Lower Darling—all surface water resources in the area;
(k) Namoi—all surface water resources in the area;
(l) South Australian River Murray—all surface water resources in the area;
(m) Victorian Murray—all surface water resources in the area;
(n) Wimmera-Mallee (surface water)—all surface water resources in the area.
3.06 Water resource plan areas—groundwater
Note: See section 1.07 for the meaning of groundwater resource.
Each of the following named areas is a water resource plan area that applies to the groundwater resources indicated:
(a) Australian Capital Territory (groundwater)—all groundwater resources beneath the area;
(b) New South Wales Border Rivers Alluvium—all groundwater resources beneath the area, excluding the Gunnedah-Oxley Basin;
(c) Darling Alluvium—all groundwater resources beneath the area;
(d) Eastern Porous Rock—the following:
(i) all groundwater resources beneath the area;
(ii) all Basin water resources in the Gunnedah-Oxley Basin and the Sydney Basin whether or not those resources are beneath the area;
(e) Goulburn-Murray—all groundwater resources beneath the area;
(f) New South Wales Great Artesian Basin Shallow—all groundwater resources beneath the area, excluding the Gunnedah‑Oxley Basin;
(g) Gwydir Alluvium—all groundwater resources beneath the area, excluding the Gunnedah-Oxley Basin;
(h) Lachlan Alluvium—all groundwater resources beneath the area;
(i) Lachlan and South Western Fractured Rock—all groundwater resources beneath the area, excluding the Oaklands Basin;
(j) Macquarie-Castlereagh Alluvium—all groundwater resources beneath the area, excluding the Gunnedah-Oxley Basin;
(k) Murray Alluvium—the following:
(i) all groundwater resources beneath the area;
(ii) all Basin water resources in the Oaklands Basin, whether or not those resources are beneath the area;
(l) Murrumbidgee Alluvium—all groundwater resources beneath the area, excluding the Oaklands Basin;
(m) Namoi Alluvium—all groundwater resources beneath the area, excluding the Gunnedah-Oxley Basin;
(n) New England Fractured Rock and Northern Basalts—all groundwater resources beneath the area, excluding the Gunnedah-Oxley Basin;
(o) Western Porous Rock—all groundwater resources beneath the area;
(p) Wimmera-Mallee (groundwater)—all groundwater resources beneath the area.
3.07 Water resource plan areas—surface water and groundwater
Each of the following named areas is a water resource plan area that applies to the surface water resources and groundwater resources indicated:
(a) Warrego-Paroo-Nebine—the following:
(i) all surface water resources in the area;
(ii) all groundwater resources beneath the area that are above the Great Artesian Basin;
(b) Condamine-Balonne—the following:
(i) all surface water resources in the area;
(ii) all groundwater resources beneath the area that are above the Great Artesian Basin;
(iii) all groundwater resources in the Queensland Murray‑Darling Basin below the Great Artesian Basin;
(c) Moonie—the following:
(i) all surface water resources in the area;
(ii) all groundwater resources beneath the area that are above the Great Artesian Basin;
(d) Queensland Border Rivers—the following:
(i) all surface water resources in the area;
(ii) all groundwater resources beneath the area that are above the Great Artesian Basin;
(e) South Australian Murray Region—the following:
(i) all surface water resources in the area, excluding those in the South Australian River Murray (paragraph 3.05(l));
(ii) all groundwater resources beneath the area;
(f) Eastern Mount Lofty Ranges—the following:
(i) all surface water resources in the area;
(ii) all groundwater resources beneath the area.
Part 3—Water accounting periods
3.08 Water accounting period for each water resource plan area
The water accounting period for each water resource plan area is a financial year.
Note: In Chapter 11, water accounting period means a period of 12 months beginning on 1 June of any year (see section 11.02).
Chapter 4—Identification and management of risks to Basin water resources
Part 1—Preliminary
4.01 Simplified outline
(1) This section sets out a simplified outline of this Chapter.
(2) This Chapter identifies:
(a) risks to the condition, or continued availability, of Basin water resources (item 3 of the table in subsection 22(1) of the Act); and
(b) strategies to manage, or address, those risks (item 5 of the table in subsection 22(1) of the Act).
Part 2—Risks and strategies to address risks
4.02 Risks to condition, or continued availability, of Basin water resources, and consequential risks
(1) The risks to the condition, or continued availability, of Basin water resources, including the risks to the availability of Basin water resources that arise from the matters specified in item 3 of the table in subsection 22(1) of the Act are:
(a) insufficient water available for the environment; and
(b) water being of a quality unsuitable for use; and
(c) poor health of water-dependent ecosystems.
(2) The consequences of the materialisation of the risks identified in subsection (1) include:
(a) that insufficient water is available, or water is not suitable for consumptive and other economic uses of Basin water resources; and
(b) that insufficient water is available, or water is not suitable to maintain social, cultural, Indigenous and other public benefit values.
4.03 Strategies to manage, or address, identified risks
(1) This section sets out the strategies to manage, or address, the risks identified in section 4.02.
Note: Water resource plans must be prepared having regard to the strategies (see subsection 10.43(3)).
(2) The Authority must have regard to the strategies when undertaking its functions.
(3) The strategies are the following:
(a) to implement the Basin Plan, including its following key elements:
(i) the environmental watering plan;
(ii) the water quality and salinity management plan;
(iii) the water trading rules;
(iv) water resource planning;
(b) to develop water resource plans and amendments to the Basin Plan based on best available knowledge and in consultation with relevant stakeholders;
(c) to promote a risk-based approach to water resource planning and management;
(d) to manage flows to optimise outcomes across the range of water uses in the Murray-Darling Basin;
(e) to ensure effective monitoring and evaluation of the implementation of the Basin Plan;
(f) to promote and enforce compliance with the Basin Plan and water resource plans;
(g) to improve knowledge of water requirements within the Murray-Darling Basin, including the following:
(i) environmental watering requirements;
(ii) requirements relating to the social, spiritual and cultural uses of Basin water resources by Indigenous people;
(iii) the impact of climate change on water requirements;
(iv) the water required to deliver social and economic benefits to Basin communities;
(h) to improve knowledge of the impact on Basin water resources of the following:
(i) interception activities and land use change;
(ii) floodplain harvesting and peri-urban and industrial take;
(iii) climate change;
(i) to improve knowledge of:
(i) groundwater and surface water resources, including through improved measurement; and
(ii) the causes of water quality degradation and the effects of water quality on environmental assets and ecosystem functions.
4.04 Authority may publish guidelines
(1) The Authority may publish guidelines setting out specific actions that may be taken in relation to the implementation of the strategies listed in subsection 4.03(3).
(2) The guidelines may be reviewed and, if necessary, updated at any time.
(3) The guidelines must be made having regard to AS/NZS ISO 31000:2009 Risk Management—Principles and Guidelines.
Note: Water resource plans must be prepared having regard to any guidelines published in accordance with this section (see subsection 10.43(3)).
Chapter 5—Management objectives and outcomes to be achieved by Basin Plan
5.01 Simplified outline
(1) This section sets out a simplified outline of this Chapter.
(2) This Chapter sets out the management objectives and outcomes to be achieved by the Basin Plan (item 4 of the table in subsection 22(1) of the Act).
(3) The management objectives and outcomes include objectives and outcomes:
(a) for the Basin Plan as a whole; and
(b) in relation to environmental outcomes; and
Schedule 9—Criteria for identifying an ecosystem function
Note: See section 8.50.
Item Criteria Criterion 1: The ecosystem function supports the creation and maintenance of vital habitats and populations 1 Assessment indicator: An ecosystem function requires environmental watering to sustain it if it provides vital habitat, including:
(a) a refugium for native water-dependent biota during dry periods and drought; or
(b) pathways for the dispersal, migration and movement of native water-dependent biota; or
(c) a diversity of important feeding, breeding and nursery sites for native water-dependent biota; or
(d) a diversity of aquatic environments including pools, riffle and run environments; or
(e) a vital habitat that is essential for preventing the decline of native water-dependent biota.
Criterion 2: The ecosystem function supports the transportation and dilution of nutrients, organic matter and sediment 2 Assessment indicator: An ecosystem function requires environmental watering to sustain it if it provides for the transportation and dilution of nutrients, organic matter and sediment, including:
(a) pathways for the dispersal and movement of organic and inorganic sediment, delivery to downstream reaches and to the ocean, and to and from the floodplain; or
(b) the dilution of carbon and nutrients from the floodplain to the river systems.
Criterion 3: The ecosystem function provides connections along a watercourse (longitudinal connections) 3 Assessment indicator: An ecosystem function requires environmental watering to sustain it if it provides connections along a watercourse or to the ocean, including longitudinal connections:
(a) for dispersal and re-colonisation of native water-dependent communities; or
(b) for migration to fulfil requirements of life-history stages; or
(c) for in-stream primary production.
Criterion 4: The ecosystem function provides connections across floodplains, adjacent wetlands and billabongs (lateral connections) 4 Assessment indicator: An ecosystem function requires environmental watering to sustain it if it provides connections across floodplains, adjacent wetlands and billabongs, including:
(a) lateral connections for foraging, migration and re-colonisation of native water-dependent species and communities; or
(b) lateral connections for off-stream primary production.
Schedule 10—Key causes of water quality degradation
Note: See section 9.02.
Item Type of water quality degradation Key causes of water quality degradation for that type 1 Elevated levels of salinity (1) The process of mobilisation of salt stores in the landscape and geological predisposition to salinity development, including by:
(a) the following processes and activities relating to water flow or water management:
(i) saline groundwater and surface water discharges into surface water systems;
(ii) increased deep drainage below irrigated agricultural land displacing saline groundwater to surface water systems;
(iii) saline surface and shallow groundwater drainage from irrigated agricultural land into surface water systems;
(iv) irrigation at high salinity risk locations without adequate drainage management;
Example: Locations where there is a high risk of recharge to groundwater resulting in saline discharges to surface waters.
(v) de-watering of saline groundwater which mobilises salt into surface water systems;
(vi) reduction in stream flows, limiting the dilution of salinity;
(b) land management practices involving the replacement of deep-rooted vegetation with shallow-rooted crops and pastures, resulting in increased rainfall recharge displacing saline groundwater to surface water systems.
(2) The use of groundwater for irrigation purposes at locations where highly saline upper aquifer water drains to the lower aquifer.
(3) With respect to soil degradation, the use of water with a high ratio of sodium to calcium and magnesium for irrigation.
2 Elevated levels of suspended matter Sediments entering Basin water resources, which is contributed to by:
(a) the following land management practices:
(i) inappropriate frequency, timing and location of cultivation;
Example: Cultivation taking place at times of the year when the risk of erosion is high (e.g. during the high rainfall season), excessive frequency of cultivation, and cultivation of steep slopes.
(ii) overgrazing of catchments and grazing of riverbanks and floodplains;
Example: The riparian zone along watercourses kept in permanent vegetation can effectively mitigate the movement of sediment within farmlands and from farmlands.
(iii) poor soil conservation practices;
Example: Practices that fail to use management strategies that prevent soil erosion, acidification, salinisation or other chemical soil contamination, or fail to adopt proven soil conservation technologies such as the construction of contour banks.
(iv) practices that over the long-term cause decline of stream morphology, leading to near stream processes of gully erosion, side wall cut and head migration; and
(b) the following water management practices:
(i) rapid drawdown of water within a surface water resource;
Example: Rapid drawdown of water in a dam.
(ii) the volume or manner of release of water, resulting in back or bed erosion; and
(c) wave wash (for example, that caused by speedboats).
3 Elevated levels of nutrients Nutrients entering Basin water resources through both point and diffuse sources. The key sources of nutrients are:
(a) soil and organic matter;
(b) animal waste;
(c) fertilisers;
(d) sewage and industrial discharges;
(e) nutrients from water storages released as a result of storage management practices.
4 Elevated levels of cyanobacteria cell counts or biovolume and toxins and odour compounds The interaction of the following factors:
(a) a water body with little or no flow;
(b) stratification in the water body;
(c) sunlight;
(d) the availability of phosphorus and nitrogen in the water;
(e) seeding from up-stream (although cyanobacteria blooms may occur without this factor).
5 Water temperature outside natural ranges (1) The key cause of water temperature of Basin water resources below natural ranges is the release of stored water from below the thermocline from large water storages in spring, summer and autumn.
(2) The key causes of water temperature of Basin water resources above natural ranges are the following:
(a) the release of stored water from large water storages in winter;
(b) the removal of shading riparian vegetation;
(c) reduced flow.
6 Dissolved oxygen outside natural ranges (1) Micro-organisms consuming organic matter and depleting oxygen at a rate faster than it can be replenished.
Example: This can arise when there is a discharge from sewage treatment plants or the flushing of natural organic material from the floodplain.
(2) Bottom release from, or overturn within, a stratified water storage.
(3) Eutrophication leading to excessive plant growth causing high diurnal variations in dissolved oxygen levels, both above and below natural ranges.
7 Elevated levels of pesticides and other contaminants Poor management practices including the following:
(a) pesticide spray drift;
(b) allowing pesticides or other contaminants into surface water runoff;
(c) allowing pesticides or other contaminants to leach into groundwater;
(d) allowing erosion of contaminated soil;
(e) inappropriate disposal of pesticides;
(f) inappropriate disposal and management of industrial and other waste (including from mining and coal-seam gas extraction).
8 pH outside natural ranges (1) The exposure to the air of soils containing iron sulfide minerals.
Note: When iron sulfide minerals are exposed to air natural oxidation processes can result in the release of acid, which can be flushed into Basin water resources.
(2) Agricultural practices that lead to the acidification of soils.
(3) Eutrophication leading to excessive plant growth causing high diurnal variation in pH.
9 Elevated pathogen counts Pathogens entering Basin water resources through both point and diffuse sources. The key sources of pathogens are:
(a) human and animal waste; and
(b) sewage discharges.
Schedule 11—Target values for target application zones
Note: See section 9.16.
Target application zones (Target assessment) Water-dependent ecosystem Ecosystem Type Turbidity (NTU) (Annual median) Total Phosphorus (μg/L) (Annual median) Total Nitrogen (μg/L) (Annual median) Dissolved oxygen (mg/L; or saturation (%)) (Annual median within the range) pH
(Annual median within the range)Salinity Temperature (Monthly median within the range) Pesticides, heavy metals and other toxic contaminants (values in table 3.4.1 of the ANZECC Guidelines for) (Must not be exceeded) B1 (Condamine and Warrego valleys; Upland zone) Declared Ramsar wetlands Streams and rivers 40
200
1350
>5.0 mg/L; or 60–110%
6.5–8.0
between the 20%ile and the 80%ile of natural monthly water temperature the protection of 99% of species Lakes and wetlands 100
25
1000
90–110%
6.5-9.0
between the 20%ile and 80%ile of natural monthly water temperature the protection of 99% of species Other water-dependent ecosystems Streams, rivers, lakes and wetlands 270
450
2000
60-110%
7.0-8.5
between the 20%ile and 80%ile of natural monthly water temperature the protection of 95% of species A1 (Condamine, Paroo and Warrego valleys; Lowland zone) Declared Ramsar wetlands Streams and rivers 450
220
890
>5.0 mg/L; or 60–110%
6.5–8.0
between the 20%ile and 80%ile of natural monthly water temperature the protection of 99% of species Lakes and wetlands 100
25
1000
90–110%
6.5-9.0
between the 20%ile and 80%ile of natural monthly water temperature the protection of 99% of species Target application zones (Target assessment) Water-dependent ecosystem Ecosystem Type Turbidity (NTU) (Annual median) Total Phosphorus (μg/L) (Annual median) Total Nitrogen (μg/L) (Annual median) Dissolved oxygen (mg/L; or saturation (%)) (Annual median within the range) pH
(Annual median within the range)Salinity
Temperature (Monthly median within the range) Pesticides, heavy metals and other toxic contaminants (values in table 3.4.1 of the ANZECC Guidelines for) (Must not be exceeded) Other water-dependent ecosystems Streams, rivers, lakes and wetlands 700
300
1000
>5.0 mg/L; or 60–110%
6.5–8.0
End-of-Valley targets for salinity in Appendix 1 of Schedule B to the Agreement between the 20%ile and 80%ile of natural monthly water temperature the protection of 95% of species B2 (Border Rivers, Gwydir and Namoi valleys; Upland zone) Declared Ramsar wetlands Streams and rivers 15
45
490
90–110%
7.5-8.5
between the 20%ile and 80%ile of natural monthly water temperature the protection of 99% of species Lakes and wetlands 20
10
350
90–110%
6.5–8.0
between the 20%ile and 80%ile of natural monthly water temperature the protection of 99% of species Other water-dependent ecosystems Streams, rivers, lakes and wetlands 30
80
750
60–110%
7.5-8.5
between the 20%ile and 80%ile of natural monthly water temperature the protection of 95% of species A2 (Border Rivers, Gwydir, and Namoi valleys; Lowland zone) Declared Ramsar wetlands Streams and rivers 75
130
890
>5.0 mg/L; or 65–110%
7.0–8.3
between the 20%ile and 80%ile of natural monthly water temperature the protection of 99% of species Lakes and wetlands 20 10 350 90–110%
6.5–8.0
between the 20%ile and 80%ile of natural monthly water temperature the protection of 99% of species Target application zones (Target assessment) Water-dependent ecosystem Ecosystem Type Turbidity (NTU) (Annual median) Total Phosphorus (μg/L) (Annual median) Total Nitrogen (μg/L) (Annual median) Dissolved oxygen (mg/L; or saturation (%)) (Annual median within the range) pH
(Annual median within the range)Salinity
Temperature (Monthly median within the range) Pesticides, heavy metals and other toxic contaminants (values in table 3.4.1 of the ANZECC Guidelines for) (Must not be exceeded) Other water-dependent ecosystems Streams, rivers, lakes and wetlands 200
200
1000
>5.0 mg/L; or 65–110%
7.0–8.3
End-of-Valley targets for salinity in Appendix 1 of Schedule B to the Agreement between the 20%ile and 80%ile of natural monthly water temperature the protection of 95% of species C2 (Border Rivers, Gwydir, and Namoi valleys; Montane zone) Declared Ramsar wetlands Streams and rivers 25
20
250
90-110%
6.5-7.5
between the 20%ile and 80%ile of natural monthly water temperature the protection of 99% of species Lakes and wetlands 20
10 350 90–110% 6.5–8.0
between the 20%ile and 80%ile of natural monthly water temperature the protection of 99% of species Other water-dependent ecosystems Streams, rivers, lakes and wetlands 25
20
250
90-110%
6.5-7.5
between the 20%ile and 80%ile of natural monthly water temperature the protection of 95% of species Dml (Darling valley; Middle and lower zones) Declared Ramsar wetlands Streams and rivers 50
50
500
85–110%
6.5–8.0
between the 20%ile and 80%ile of natural monthly water temperature the protection of 99% of species Lakes and wetlands 20
10
350
90–110%
6.5–8.0
between the 20%ile and 80%ile of natural monthly water temperature the protection of 99% of species Target application zones (Target assessment) Water-dependent ecosystem Ecosystem Type Turbidity (NTU) (Annual median) Total Phosphorus (μg/L) (Annual median) Total Nitrogen (μg/L) (Annual median) Dissolved oxygen (mg/L; or saturation (%)) (Annual median within the range) pH
(Annual median within the range)Salinity
Temperature (Monthly median within the range) Pesticides, heavy metals and other toxic contaminants (values in table 3.4.1 of the ANZECC Guidelines for) (Must not be exceeded) Other water-dependent ecosystems Streams, rivers, lakes and wetlands 50
50
500
85–110%
6.5–8.0
End-of-Valley targets for salinity in Appendix 1 of Schedule B to the Agreement between the 20%ile and 80%ile of natural monthly water temperature the protection of 95% of species B3 (Castlereagh, Macquarie, Lachlan and Murrumbidgee valleys; Upland zone) Declared Ramsar wetlands Streams and rivers 5
20
310
>8 mg/L; or
90-110%
7.0-8.0
between the 20%ile and 80%ile of natural monthly water temperature the protection of 99% of species
Lakes and wetlands 20
10
350
90–110%
6.5–8.0
between the 20%ile and 80%ile of natural monthly water temperature the protection of 99% of species Other water-dependent ecosystems Streams, rivers, lakes and wetlands 20 35
600
>8 mg/L; or
90-110%
7.0-8.0
between the 20%ile and 80%ile of natural monthly water temperature the protection of 95% of species A3 (Castlereagh, Macquarie, Lachlan and Murrumbidgee valleys; Lowland zone) Declared Ramsar wetlands Streams and rivers 20 30
320
>7.0 mg/L; or
80-110%
6.5–8.0
between the 20%ile and 80%ile of natural monthly water temperature the protection of 99% of species Target application zones (Target assessment) Water-dependent ecosystem Ecosystem Type Turbidity (NTU) (Annual median) Total Phosphorus (μg/L) (Annual median) Total Nitrogen (μg/L) (Annual median) Dissolved oxygen (mg/L; or saturation (%)) (Annual median within the range) pH
(Annual median within the range)Salinity
Temperature (Monthly median within the range) Pesticides, heavy metals and other toxic contaminants (values in table 3.4.1 of the ANZECC Guidelines for) (Must not be exceeded) Lakes and wetlands 20 10
350
90–110%
6.5–8.0
between the 20%ile and 80%ile of natural monthly water temperature the protection of 99% of species Other water-dependent ecosystems Streams, rivers, lakes and wetlands 35
50
600
>7.0 mg/L; or
80-110%
6.5–8.0
End-of-Valley targets for salinity in Appendix 1 of Schedule B to the Agreement between the 20%ile and 80%ile of natural monthly water temperature the protection of 95% of species Du (Darling; Upper zone) Declared Ramsar wetlands Streams and rivers 95
150
480
>7 mg/L; or
80-110%
7.0-8.1
between the 20%ile and 80%ile of natural monthly water temperature the protection of 99% of species Lakes and wetlands 20
10
350
90–110%
6.5–8.0
between the 20%ile and 80%ile of natural monthly water temperature the protection of 99% of species Other water-dependent ecosystems Streams, rivers, lakes and wetlands 230
250
900
>7 mg/L; or
80-110%
7.0-8.1
between the 20%ile and 80%ile of natural monthly water temperature the protection of 95% of species C3 (Lachlan and Murrumbidgee valleys Montane zone) Declared Ramsar wetlands Streams and rivers 5
20
250
>8.5 mg/L; or
90-110%
6.5-7.5
between the 20%ile and 80%ile of natural monthly water temperature the protection of 99% of species Target application zones (Target assessment) Water-dependent ecosystem Ecosystem Type Turbidity (NTU) (Annual median) Total Phosphorus (μg/L) (Annual median) Total Nitrogen (μg/L) (Annual median) Dissolved oxygen (mg/L; or saturation (%)) (Annual median within the range) pH
(Annual median within the range)Salinity
Temperature (Monthly median within the range) Pesticides, heavy metals and other toxic contaminants (values in table 3.4.1 of the ANZECC Guidelines for) (Must not be exceeded) Lakes and wetlands 20
10
350
90–110%
6.5–8.0
between the 20%ile and 80%ile of natural monthly water temperature the protection of 99% of species
Other water-dependent ecosystems Streams, rivers, lakes and wetlands 10
20
250
>8.5 mg/L; or
90-110%
6.5-7.5
between the 20%ile and 80%ile of natural monthly water temperature the protection of 95% of species cMum (Murray Valley Central; Upper and Middle zones) Declared Ramsar wetlands Streams and rivers 15
40
500
>7.7 mg/L; 90–110%
6.5–7.5
between the 20%ile and 80%ile of natural monthly water temperature the protection of 99% of species Lakes and wetlands 20
10
350
90–110%
6.5–8.0
between the 20%ile and 80%ile of natural monthly water temperature the protection of 99% of species Other water-dependent ecosystems Streams, rivers, lakes and wetlands 15
40
500
>7.7 mg/L; 90–110%
6.5–7.5
End-of-Valley targets for salinity in Appendix 1 of Schedule B to the Agreement between the 20%ile and 80%ile of natural monthly water temperature the protection of 95% of species Target application zones (Target assessment) Water-dependent ecosystem Ecosystem Type Turbidity (NTU) (Annual median) Total Phosphorus (μg/L) (Annual median) Total Nitrogen (μg/L) (Annual median) Dissolved oxygen (mg/L; or saturation (%)) (Annual median within the range) pH
(Annual median within the range)Salinity
Temperature (Monthly median within the range) Pesticides, heavy metals and other toxic contaminants (values in table 3.4.1 of the ANZECC Guidelines for) (Must not be exceeded) B4 (Avoca, Wimmera, Loddon and Campaspe valleys; Upland zone) Declared Ramsar wetlands Streams and rivers 10
25
600
80-110%
6.5–8.3
between the 20%ile and 80%ile of natural monthly water temperature the protection of 99% of species
Lakes and wetlands 20
10
350
90–110%
6.5–8.0
between the 20%ile and 80%ile of natural monthly water temperature the protection of 99% of species Other water-dependent ecosystems Streams, rivers, lakes and wetlands 10
25
600
80-110%
6.5–8.3
between the 20%ile and 80%ile of natural monthly water temperature the protection of 95% of species A4 (Avoca, Wimmera, Loddon and Campaspe valleys; Lowland zone) Declared Ramsar wetlands Streams and rivers 5
15
320
80-110%
6.5–8.3
between the 20%ile and 80%ile of natural monthly water temperature the protection of 99% of species Lakes and wetlands 20
10
350
90–110%
6.5–8.0
between the 20%ile and 80%ile of natural monthly water temperature the protection of 99% of species
Target application zones (Target assessment) Water-dependent ecosystem Ecosystem Type Turbidity (NTU) (Annual median) Total Phosphorus (μg/L) (Annual median) Total Nitrogen (μg/L) (Annual median) Dissolved oxygen (mg/L; or saturation (%)) (Annual median within the range) pH
(Annual median within the range)Salinity
Temperature (Monthly median within the range) Pesticides, heavy metals and other toxic contaminants (values in table 3.4.1 of the ANZECC Guidelines for) (Must not be exceeded) Other water-dependent ecosystems Streams, rivers, lakes and wetlands 30
45
900
80-110%
6.5–8.3
End-of-Valley targets for salinity in Appendix 1 of Schedule B to the Agreement between the 20%ile and 80%ile of natural monthly water temperature the protection of 95% of species C5 (Ovens valley; Montane zone)
Declared Ramsar wetlands Streams and rivers 5
25
150
95-110%
6.4-7.7
between the 20%ile and 80%ile of natural monthly water temperature the protection of 99% of species Lakes and wetlands 20
10
350
90–110%
6.5–8.0
between the 20%ile and 80%ile of natural monthly water temperature the protection of 99% of species Other water-dependent ecosystems Streams, rivers, lakes and wetlands 5
25
150
95-110%
6.4-7.7
between the 20%ile and 80%ile of natural monthly water temperature the protection of 95% of species B5 (Broken, Goulburn and Ovens valleys; Upland zones) Declared Ramsar wetlands Streams and rivers 5
15
290
>8.0 mg/L; or
90-110%
6.4-7.7
between the 20%ile and 80%ile of natural monthly water temperature the protection of 99% of species Lakes and wetlands 20
10
350
90–110%
6.5–8.0
between the 20%ile and 80%ile of natural monthly water temperature the protection of 99% of species Target application zones (Target assessment) Water-dependent ecosystem Ecosystem Type Turbidity (NTU) (Annual median) Total Phosphorus (μg/L) (Annual median) Total Nitrogen (μg/L) (Annual median) Dissolved oxygen (mg/L; or saturation (%)) (Annual median within the range) pH
(Annual median within the range)Salinity
Temperature (Monthly median within the range) Pesticides, heavy metals and other toxic contaminants (values in table 3.4.1 of the ANZECC Guidelines for) (Must not be exceeded) Other water-dependent ecosystems Streams, rivers, lakes and wetlands 10
30
600
>8.0 mg/L; or
90-110%
6.4-7.7
between the 20%ile and 80%ile of natural monthly water temperature the protection of 95% of species A5 (Broken, Goulburn and Ovens valleys; Lowland zone) Declared Ramsar wetlands Streams and rivers 10
25
350
>7.5 mg/L; or
85-110%
6.4–7.7
between the 20%ile and 80%ile of natural monthly water temperature the protection of 99% of species Lakes and wetlands 20
10
350
90–110%
6.5–8.0
between the 20%ile and 80%ile of natural monthly water temperature the protection of 99% of species Other water-dependent ecosystems Streams, rivers, lakes and wetlands 30
45
600
>7.5 mg/L; or
85-110%
6.4–7.7
End-of-Valley targets for salinity in Appendix 1 of Schedule B to the Agreement between the 20%ile and 80%ile of natural monthly water temperature the protection of 95% of species
C6 (Mitta Mitta and Upper Murray; Montane) Declared Ramsar wetlands Streams and rivers 5
25
150
>9 mg/L; or
95-110%
6.4–7.7
between the 20%ile and 80%ile of natural monthly water temperature the protection of 99% of species Lakes and wetlands 20
10
350
90–110%
6.5–8.0
between the 20%ile and 80%ile of natural monthly water temperature the protection of 99% of species Target application zones (Target assessment) Water-dependent ecosystem Ecosystem Type Turbidity (NTU) (Annual median) Total Phosphorus (μg/L) (Annual median) Total Nitrogen (μg/L) (Annual median) Dissolved oxygen (mg/L; or saturation (%)) (Annual median within the range) pH
(Annual median within the range)Salinity
Temperature (Monthly median within the range) Pesticides, heavy metals and other toxic contaminants (values in table 3.4.1 of the ANZECC Guidelines for) (Must not be exceeded) Other water-dependent ecosystems Streams, rivers, lakes and wetlands 5
25
150
>9 mg/L; or
95-110%
6.4–7.7
between the 20%ile and 80%ile of natural monthly water temperature the protection of 95% of species B6 (Kiewa, Mitta Mitta and Upper Murray; Upland) Declared Ramsar wetlands Streams and rivers 5
20
230
>8.5 mg/L; or
85-110%
6.4–7.7
between the 20%ile and 80%ile of natural monthly water temperature the protection of 99% of species Lakes and wetlands 20
10
350
90–110%
6.5–8.0
between the 20%ile and 80%ile of natural monthly water temperature the protection of 99% of species Other water-dependent ecosystems Streams, rivers, lakes and wetlands 5
30
350
>8.5 mg/L; or
85-110%
6.4–7.7
between the 20%ile and 80%ile of natural monthly water temperature the protection of 95% of species A6 (Kiewa; Lowland)
Declared Ramsar wetlands Streams and rivers 5
30
290
>7.5 mg/L; or
85-110%
6.4–7.7
between the 20%ile and 80%ile of natural monthly water temperature the protection of 99% of species Lakes and wetlands 20
10
350
90–110%
6.5–8.0
between the 20%ile and 80%ile of natural monthly water temperature the protection of 99% of species Target application zones (Target assessment) Water-dependent ecosystem Ecosystem Type Turbidity (NTU) (Annual median) Total Phosphorus (μg/L) (Annual median) Total Nitrogen (μg/L) (Annual median) Dissolved oxygen (mg/L; or saturation (%)) (Annual median within the range) pH
(Annual median within the range)Salinity
Temperature (Monthly median within the range) Pesticides, heavy metals and other toxic contaminants (values in table 3.4.1 of the ANZECC Guidelines for) (Must not be exceeded) Other water-dependent ecosystems Streams, rivers, lakes and wetlands 10
45
600
>7.5 mg/L; or
85-110%
6.4–7.7
End-of-Valley targets for salinity in Appendix 1 of Schedule B to the Agreement between the 20%ile and 80%ile of natural monthly water temperature the protection of 95% of species cMl (Central Murray; Lower)
Declared Ramsar wetlands Streams and rivers 35
80
700
>8.0 mg/L; or 90-110%
6.8-8.0
between the 20%ile and 80%ile of natural monthly water temperature the protection of 99% of species Lakes and wetlands 20
10
350
90–110%
6.5–8.0
between the 20%ile and 80%ile of natural monthly water temperature the protection of 99% of species
Other water-dependent ecosystems Streams, rivers, lakes and wetlands 35
80
700
>8.0 mg/L; or 90-110%
6.8-8.0
End-of-Valley targets for salinity in Appendix 1 of Schedule B to the Agreement between the 20%ile and 80%ile of natural monthly water temperature the protection of 95% of species lM (Lower Murray)
Declared Ramsar wetlands Streams and rivers 50
100
1000
85-110%
6.5-9.0
between the 20%ile and 80%ile of natural monthly water temperature the protection of 99% of species Target application zones (Target assessment) Water-dependent ecosystem Ecosystem Type Turbidity (NTU) (Annual median) Total Phosphorus (μg/L) (Annual median) Total Nitrogen (μg/L) (Annual median) Dissolved oxygen (mg/L; or saturation (%)) (Annual median within the range) pH
(Annual median within the range)Salinity
Temperature (Monthly median within the range) Pesticides, heavy metals and other toxic contaminants (values in table 3.4.1 of the ANZECC Guidelines for) (Must not be exceeded) Lakes and wetlands 20
10
350
90–110%
6.5–8.0
between the 20%ile and 80%ile of natural monthly water temperature the protection of 99% of species Other water-dependent ecosystems Streams, rivers, lakes and wetlands 50
100
1000
85-110%
6.5-9.0
End-of-Valley targets in Appendix 1 of Schedule B to the Agreement between the 20%ile and 80%ile of natural monthly water temperature the protection of 95% of species
Schedule 12—Matters for evaluation and reporting requirements
Note 1: The matters listed in this Schedule relate to the objectives and outcomes against which the effectiveness of the Basin Plan will be evaluated (see section 13.05). The matters are also matters on which the Authority, the Basin States, the Department and the CEWH are required to report (see section 13.14). The Authority may publish guidelines under section 13.16, and enter into agreements under section 13.15, in relation to the reporting requirements.
Note: 2 Category A matters are subject to 5 yearly reporting and Category B matters are subject to annual reporting, subject to an agreement being made under section 13.15.
In this Schedule, CEWH means the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder.
Item
Matter
Reporter
Category
Relevant Chapter
Basin Plan as a whole 1 The transparency and effectiveness of the management of the Basin water resources. Authority A Chapter 5 2 The protection and restoration of water‑dependent ecosystems and ecosystem functions in the Murray‑Darling Basin, including for the purposes of strengthening their resilience in a changing climate. Authority A Chapter 5 3 The extent to which the Basin Plan has affected social, economic and environmental outcomes in the Murray‑Darling Basin. Department, Authority A Chapter 5 4 The effectiveness of the management of risks to Basin water resources. Basin States, Authority B Chapters 4, 5 and 10 5 The transition to long‑term average sustainable diversion limits. Department B Chapters 5 and 6 6 The extent to which local knowledge and solutions inform the implementation of the Basin Plan. Basin States, Authority, CEWH B Chapters 6, 8 and 10
Item
Matter
Reporter
Category
Relevant Chapter
Environmental watering plan 7 The achievement of environmental outcomes at a Basin scale, by reference to the targets in Schedule 7. Authority, CEWH A Chapter 8 8 The achievement of environmental outcomes at an asset scale. Basin States A Chapter 8 9 The identification of environmental water and the monitoring of its use. Basin States, CEWH, Authority B Chapter 8 10 The implementation of the environmental management framework (Part 4 of Chapter 8). Basin States, CEWH, Authority B Chapter 8 Water quality and salinity 11 The fitness for purpose of the Basin water resources. Authority A Chapters 5 and 9 12 Progress towards the water quality targets in Chapter 9.
Basin States, Authority A Chapter 9 13 The implementation, where necessary, of the emergency response process for critical human water needs. Basin States, Authority, Department B Chapter 11 14 The implementation of the water quality and salinity management plan, including the extent to which regard is had to the targets in Chapter 9 when making flow management decisions. Basin States, Authority, CEWH B Chapter 9 Water trading rules 15 The facilitation, by efficient and effective water markets, of tradeable water rights reaching their most productive use. Authority A Chapters 5 and 12 16 The implementation of water trading rules. Basin States, Authority B Chapter 12 Water resource planning 17 The certainty of access to Basin water resources. Authority A Chapters 5 and 10 18 The efficiency and effectiveness of the operation of water resource plans, including in providing a robust framework under a changing climate. Basin States, Authority A Chapter 10 19 Compliance with water resource plans. Basin States B Chapter 10 20 The prioritisation of critical human water needs. Basin States B Chapters 10 and 11 21 The accountability and transparency of arrangements for water sharing. Basin States B Chapter 10
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