Proposed Basin Plan amendments - Invitation for public submissions

Overview

The Murray-Darling Basin Authority, established under the Water Act 2007 (Cth), is inviting public submissions on proposed amendments to the Basin Plan. Enacted in 2007, the Water Act was designed to manage the water resources of the Murray-Darling Basin effectively, aiming to balance the needs of the environment, agriculture, and communities. The proposed amendments seek to address identified gaps or issues in the existing Basin Plan, ensuring sustainable water management practices in the region. Submissions are due by 5pm (AEST) on 10 February 2017, with the preferred method being online through the Authority's website. The Authority is mandated to publish all submissions unless confidentiality is specifically requested by the submitter. Further information and submission guidelines are available on the Authority's website.

Scope and Application

The Murray–Darling Basin Authority, exercising its powers under the Water Act 2007, is inviting submissions from interested parties regarding proposed amendments to the Basin Plan. This Act applies to the Murray–Darling Basin, encompassing entities, industries, and conduct that have a stake in the water resources of this significant basin. The scope of the Authority’s invitation extends to any individual, organisation, or entity with an interest in the proposed amendments, ensuring that the voices of all stakeholders are considered. The Authority's jurisdiction covers the Murray–Darling Basin, which spans across multiple states and territories within Australia, reflecting the national significance of the water resources in this area. Submissions must be made by 5pm (AEST) on 10 February 2017, with the preferred method being through the Authority’s online portal. Submissions made via other means must be clearly labelled to avoid confusion. It is crucial to note that all submissions, barring specific requests for confidentiality, will be published on the Authority’s website, including any personal or third-party information provided.

Key Provisions

The Murray–Darling Basin Authority (the Authority) has called for public submissions on proposed amendments to the Basin Plan in accordance with subsections 47(4) and (5) of the Water Act 2007 (Cth). Submissions are expected by 5pm (AEST) on 10 February 2017. The Authority’s website provides detailed information about the proposed amendments and the process for making submissions, accessible via www.mdba.gov.au/BPamendments. Submissions can be submitted through various means, including the Authority’s website, email at submissions@mdba.gov.au, or by post to a specific address in Canberra. Online submission is preferred, and those submitting outside the online system should ensure their submission is clearly identified as such. Importantly, the Authority is required under subsection 47(8) and (9) of the Act to publish all submissions on its website, unless a person specifically requests confidentiality for their submission or parts of it. The obligations imposed on the parties by this Act include the requirement for interested persons to submit their views on the proposed amendments by the specified deadline. Submissions should be made through the online portal, email, or post, with online submissions being the preferred method. It is crucial for submitters to identify their submissions clearly if they are not using the online system. Additionally, the Authority must publish all submissions on its website, barring any requests for confidentiality from the submitters. The Authority also needs to ensure that the process for making submissions is clearly communicated and accessible to the public. Breaches of the requirements to submit within the stipulated timeframe or to provide identifiable submissions may have consequences, although specific penalties for these breaches are not mentioned in the text. However, it is important to note that the Authority is mandated to publish all submissions, which could lead to public scrutiny and potential reputational consequences for parties that fail to comply with the submission requirements. Furthermore, if a person makes a false or misleading statement in their submission, this could potentially lead to civil or criminal penalties, as the Act might provide for such consequences under other provisions. Nonetheless, the exact penalties for such breaches are not detailed within the provided text.