Two high-level meetings have occurred to decide on significant plans for water in Australia. 

Late last week, the Murray-Darling Basin Water Ministers convened virtually following a national Water Ministers meeting. 

These discussions highlight substantial progress in implementing the Basin Plan and strategies for securing Australia's water resources.

Since the last Murray-Darling Basin Ministerial Council meeting, significant progress has been made. 

The Water Amendment (Restoring Our Rivers) Act 2023 was passed by the Australian Parliament, and the draft framework for delivering 450 gigalitres (GL) of additional environmental water has been outlined. 

The framework includes programs for on-farm, off-farm, urban, industrial, and mining water efficiency projects, with more than $800 million available to states for these initiatives.

One significant program is the $300 million Sustainable Communities Program, aimed at assisting Basin communities affected by voluntary water purchases. 

This program supports local jobs and businesses, investing in projects to create less water-dependent industries, new community infrastructure, workforce development, and community support services.

Murray-Darling Ministers noted ongoing challenges such as fluctuating rainfall, seasonal conditions, and varying water levels in the Murray-Darling Basin. 

As of 19 June 2024, total active storage levels were approximately 68 per cent in the northern Basin and 79 per cent in the southern Basin, compared to 93 per cent and 90 per cent respectively in the previous year. 

The Bureau of Meteorology's climate outlook predicts below-average rainfall for much of Victoria and southeast South Australia from July to September 2024, while the northern Basin is expected to experience typical rainfall levels for this time of year.

Ministers discussed key issues including efforts to improve connectivity between the north and south of the Basin through the Menindee Lakes. 

Also at the session, the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder highlighted the need for permanent protection of held environmental water through Menindee Lakes and addressed concerns about water quality and the importance of relaxing constraints to allow more natural connections between rivers and wetlands.

Ministers acknowledged the low delivery risks in the River Murray System for the current water year but noted that these risks would increase if drier conditions return in the next water year. 

They welcomed a trial to protect environmental water passage from the northern to southern Basin through Menindee Lakes and discussed ongoing water quality concerns in the Menindee Lakes and Lower Darling (Baaka), stressing the need for continued cross-jurisdictional efforts to manage these issues.

Ministers underscored the importance of cooperation among Basin governments to fully implement the Basin Plan. 

Notable achievements include bridging the gap to Sustainable Diversion Limits (SDLs) in New South Wales' Lachlan and NSW Murray catchments, and in the Australian Capital Territory. However, gaps remain in other catchments, and contracting processes are ongoing.

The release of the draft framework for delivering 450 GL of additional environmental water was noted, along with progress across jurisdictions.

The Murray-Darling Basin Authority provided an update on the Constraints Relaxation Implementation Roadmap, to be published by the end of 2024.

Significant legislative reforms to the Water Act and Basin Plan were welcomed, aimed at improving water management outcomes for First Nations peoples. 

Progress in delivering the $100 million Aboriginal Water Entitlements Program was highlighted, with an emphasis on close collaboration with First Nations communities.

Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening trust and transparency in Basin water management and markets. 

Updates were provided on statutory accountability measures introduced through the Restoring Our Rivers Act 2023, including the role of the Inspector-General of Water Compliance and progress on water market reforms.

Earlier in the week, Australia's Water Ministers met to renew their commitment to protecting and securing the country’s water resources. 

They progressed an updated National Water Agreement to prepare Australia for drought, safeguard water resources from climate change, and elevate First Nations voices in water management.