Chapter 13—Program for monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of the Basin Plan
13.01 Simplified outline
(2) This Chapter sets out the program for monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of the Basin Plan (item 13 of the table in subsection 22(1) of the Act), which consists of:
(a) the principles to be applied in monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of the Basin Plan (Part 2); and
(b) the following framework to be used to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the Basin Plan:
(i) processes for reviewing and evaluating the Basin Plan and assessing the condition of the Murray‑Darling Basin, contributing to adaptive management (Part 3);
(ii) reporting requirements relating to the matters by reference to which the effectiveness of the Basin Plan will be monitored and evaluated (Part 4);
(iii) requirements for the publication of information (Part 5);
(iv) provisions for improving monitoring, evaluation and reporting capabilities (Part 6).
(3) The effectiveness of the Basin Plan is to be evaluated against the objectives and outcomes set out in Chapters 5, 8 and 9, and by reference to the matters in Schedule 12.
13.02 Personal information not required
Nothing in this Chapter requires or authorises a person to disclose personal information.
Note: See section 6 of the Privacy Act 1988 for the definition of personal information.
13.01 Simplified outline
13.01 Simplified outline
(2) This Chapter sets out the program for monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of the Basin Plan (item 13 of the table in subsection 22(1) of the Act), which consists of:
(a) the principles to be applied in monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of the Basin Plan (Part 2); and
(b) the following framework to be used to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the Basin Plan:
(i) processes for reviewing and evaluating the Basin Plan and assessing the condition of the Murray‑Darling Basin, contributing to adaptive management (Part 3);
(ii) reporting requirements relating to the matters by reference to which the effectiveness of the Basin Plan will be monitored and evaluated (Part 4);
(iii) requirements for the publication of information (Part 5);
(iv) provisions for improving monitoring, evaluation and reporting capabilities (Part 6).
(3) The effectiveness of the Basin Plan is to be evaluated against the objectives and outcomes set out in Chapters 5, 8 and 9, and by reference to the matters in Schedule 12.
13.02 Personal information not required
13.02 Personal information not required
Nothing in this Chapter requires or authorises a person to disclose personal information.
Note: See section 6 of the Privacy Act 1988 for the definition of personal information.
Part 2 Principles to be applied
Part 2—Principles to be applied
13.03 Principles of responsibility for monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of the Basin Plan
(d) building upon existing information and data supply arrangements where possible, rather than establishing new arrangements; and
(2) The Authority is responsible for leading all evaluations of the effectiveness of the Basin Plan, with Basin States, the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder and the Department enabling evaluations by collecting, analysing and reporting information (including data) in a fit for purpose manner.
(a) the Authority, when monitoring the effectiveness of the Basin Plan and conducting evaluations and reviews under Part 3; and
(b) the Basin States, the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder and the Department, when monitoring and evaluating for the purpose of meeting the reporting requirements in Part 4.
(2) Commonwealth agencies and Basin States should report against matters in a manner which reflects the degree to which they are responsible for those matters.
Note: For example, the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder is responsible for reporting on matters only to the extent that the matters relate to its responsibilities.
Note: Program logic is a mechanism that helps to determine when and what to evaluate so that resources can be used effectively and efficiently: see the Australian Government’s NRM MERI Framework.
(4) Monitoring and evaluation findings, including in respect of progress towards meeting targets and trends in the condition and availability of the Basin water resources, should enable decision‑makers to use adaptive management.
(5) Monitoring and evaluation should harness the monitoring capabilities of existing Basin State and Commonwealth programs (including jointly funded programs), provided that the programs are consistent with the principles in this Part, with a view to aligning and improving these programs over time.
Note: For example, water information provided by Basin States to the Bureau of Meteorology under Part 7 of the Act may be used, where possible, for monitoring and evaluation under this Chapter to avoid duplication in the sourcing of that information.
(6) The best available knowledge (including scientific, local and cultural knowledge), evidence and analysis should be used where practicable to ensure credibility, transparency and usefulness of monitoring and evaluation findings.
(7) Basin States and the Commonwealth should collaborate on the technical and operational elements of monitoring and evaluation in order to build engagement and ownership.
(9) Monitoring and reporting should be timely, efficient, cost‑effective and consistent, and should supply the information needed for evaluation.
(10) To the extent possible, there should be open access to information collected or used in, or generated by, monitoring and evaluation.
13.03 Principles of responsibility for monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of the Basin Plan
Part 2—Principles to be applied
13.03 Principles of responsibility for monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of the Basin Plan
(d) building upon existing information and data supply arrangements where possible, rather than establishing new arrangements; and
(2) The Authority is responsible for leading all evaluations of the effectiveness of the Basin Plan, with Basin States, the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder and the Department enabling evaluations by collecting, analysing and reporting information (including data) in a fit for purpose manner.
(a) the Authority, when monitoring the effectiveness of the Basin Plan and conducting evaluations and reviews under Part 3; and
(b) the Basin States, the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder and the Department, when monitoring and evaluating for the purpose of meeting the reporting requirements in Part 4.
(2) Commonwealth agencies and Basin States should report against matters in a manner which reflects the degree to which they are responsible for those matters.
Note: For example, the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder is responsible for reporting on matters only to the extent that the matters relate to its responsibilities.
Note: Program logic is a mechanism that helps to determine when and what to evaluate so that resources can be used effectively and efficiently: see the Australian Government’s NRM MERI Framework.
(4) Monitoring and evaluation findings, including in respect of progress towards meeting targets and trends in the condition and availability of the Basin water resources, should enable decision‑makers to use adaptive management.
(5) Monitoring and evaluation should harness the monitoring capabilities of existing Basin State and Commonwealth programs (including jointly funded programs), provided that the programs are consistent with the principles in this Part, with a view to aligning and improving these programs over time.
Note: For example, water information provided by Basin States to the Bureau of Meteorology under Part 7 of the Act may be used, where possible, for monitoring and evaluation under this Chapter to avoid duplication in the sourcing of that information.
(6) The best available knowledge (including scientific, local and cultural knowledge), evidence and analysis should be used where practicable to ensure credibility, transparency and usefulness of monitoring and evaluation findings.
(7) Basin States and the Commonwealth should collaborate on the technical and operational elements of monitoring and evaluation in order to build engagement and ownership.
(9) Monitoring and reporting should be timely, efficient, cost‑effective and consistent, and should supply the information needed for evaluation.
(10) To the extent possible, there should be open access to information collected or used in, or generated by, monitoring and evaluation.
Principle 1 Principle 1
(d) building upon existing information and data supply arrangements where possible, rather than establishing new arrangements; and
Principle 2 Principle 2
(2) The Authority is responsible for leading all evaluations of the effectiveness of the Basin Plan, with Basin States, the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder and the Department enabling evaluations by collecting, analysing and reporting information (including data) in a fit for purpose manner.
13.04 Other principles to be applied in monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of the Basin Plan
(a) the Authority, when monitoring the effectiveness of the Basin Plan and conducting evaluations and reviews under Part 3; and
(b) the Basin States, the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder and the Department, when monitoring and evaluating for the purpose of meeting the reporting requirements in Part 4.
Principle 3 Principle 3
(2) Commonwealth agencies and Basin States should report against matters in a manner which reflects the degree to which they are responsible for those matters.
Note: For example, the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder is responsible for reporting on matters only to the extent that the matters relate to its responsibilities.
Principle 4 Principle 4
Note: Program logic is a mechanism that helps to determine when and what to evaluate so that resources can be used effectively and efficiently: see the Australian Government’s NRM MERI Framework.
Principle 5 Principle 5
(4) Monitoring and evaluation findings, including in respect of progress towards meeting targets and trends in the condition and availability of the Basin water resources, should enable decision‑makers to use adaptive management.
Principle 6 Principle 6
(5) Monitoring and evaluation should harness the monitoring capabilities of existing Basin State and Commonwealth programs (including jointly funded programs), provided that the programs are consistent with the principles in this Part, with a view to aligning and improving these programs over time.
Note: For example, water information provided by Basin States to the Bureau of Meteorology under Part 7 of the Act may be used, where possible, for monitoring and evaluation under this Chapter to avoid duplication in the sourcing of that information.
Principle 7 Principle 7
(6) The best available knowledge (including scientific, local and cultural knowledge), evidence and analysis should be used where practicable to ensure credibility, transparency and usefulness of monitoring and evaluation findings.
Principle 8 Principle 8
(7) Basin States and the Commonwealth should collaborate on the technical and operational elements of monitoring and evaluation in order to build engagement and ownership.
Principle 9 Principle 9
Principle 10 Principle 10
(9) Monitoring and reporting should be timely, efficient, cost‑effective and consistent, and should supply the information needed for evaluation.
Principle 11 Principle 11
(10) To the extent possible, there should be open access to information collected or used in, or generated by, monitoring and evaluation.
Part 3 Evaluations, reviews and assessments
(1) The Authority must evaluate the effectiveness of the Basin Plan against the objectives and outcomes set out in Chapters 5, 8 and 9, and by reference to the matters listed in Schedule 12, for the purposes of:
(d) any other reviews of the long‑term average sustainable diversion limits (for example, following a request under subsection 50(2) of the Act).
Note: The matters in Schedule 12 represent, and are similar but not identical to, the objectives and outcomes set out in Chapters 5, 8 and 9.
(c) how has the Basin Plan contributed to changes to the environmental, social and economic conditions in the Murray‑Darling Basin?
(g) to what extent has the program for monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of the Basin Plan contributed to adaptive management and improving the available scientific knowledge of the Murray‑Darling Basin?
(1) The Authority must complete a review of the water quality targets in the water quality and salinity management plan before the end of 2020 and within every 5 years thereafter.
(3) The Authority may request from a person or body (for example, a person or body mentioned in subsection (4)) any information that it considers necessary to conduct the review.
(4) The review must be undertaken in consultation with the Basin States, the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder and other relevant Commonwealth agencies.
(1) The Authority must complete a review of the environmental watering plan before the end of 2020 and within every 5 years thereafter.
(3) The Authority may request from a person or body (for example, a person or body mentioned in subsection (4)) any information that it considers necessary to conduct the review.
(4) The review must be undertaken in consultation with the Basin States, the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder and other relevant Commonwealth agencies.
(1) The Authority must complete a review of the social and economic impacts of the Basin Plan before the end of 2020 and within every 5 years thereafter.
(1) The Authority may periodically undertake assessments of trends in the condition and availability of the Basin water resources and the social, cultural and economic contexts in which they are used, as revealed by monitoring information.
(2) An assessment must be undertaken in consultation with the Basin States, the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder and other relevant Commonwealth agencies.
(b) unless a contrary intention appears from the Basin Plan—exercising powers or performing functions under the Basin Plan;
(2) If the Authority or a Basin State fails to comply with subsection (1) when exercising a power or performing a function under the Basin Plan, the exercise of the power or the performance of the function is not invalid by reason of the failure.
Division 1 Evaluation of Basin Plan
(1) The Authority must evaluate the effectiveness of the Basin Plan against the objectives and outcomes set out in Chapters 5, 8 and 9, and by reference to the matters listed in Schedule 12, for the purposes of:
(d) any other reviews of the long‑term average sustainable diversion limits (for example, following a request under subsection 50(2) of the Act).
Note: The matters in Schedule 12 represent, and are similar but not identical to, the objectives and outcomes set out in Chapters 5, 8 and 9.
(c) how has the Basin Plan contributed to changes to the environmental, social and economic conditions in the Murray‑Darling Basin?
(g) to what extent has the program for monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of the Basin Plan contributed to adaptive management and improving the available scientific knowledge of the Murray‑Darling Basin?
(1) The Authority must complete a review of the water quality targets in the water quality and salinity management plan before the end of 2020 and within every 5 years thereafter.
(3) The Authority may request from a person or body (for example, a person or body mentioned in subsection (4)) any information that it considers necessary to conduct the review.
(4) The review must be undertaken in consultation with the Basin States, the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder and other relevant Commonwealth agencies.
(1) The Authority must complete a review of the environmental watering plan before the end of 2020 and within every 5 years thereafter.
(3) The Authority may request from a person or body (for example, a person or body mentioned in subsection (4)) any information that it considers necessary to conduct the review.
(4) The review must be undertaken in consultation with the Basin States, the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder and other relevant Commonwealth agencies.
(1) The Authority must complete a review of the social and economic impacts of the Basin Plan before the end of 2020 and within every 5 years thereafter.
(1) The Authority may periodically undertake assessments of trends in the condition and availability of the Basin water resources and the social, cultural and economic contexts in which they are used, as revealed by monitoring information.
(2) An assessment must be undertaken in consultation with the Basin States, the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder and other relevant Commonwealth agencies.
(b) unless a contrary intention appears from the Basin Plan—exercising powers or performing functions under the Basin Plan;
(2) If the Authority or a Basin State fails to comply with subsection (1) when exercising a power or performing a function under the Basin Plan, the exercise of the power or the performance of the function is not invalid by reason of the failure.
13.05 Purpose of evaluation
(1) The Authority must evaluate the effectiveness of the Basin Plan against the objectives and outcomes set out in Chapters 5, 8 and 9, and by reference to the matters listed in Schedule 12, for the purposes of:
(d) any other reviews of the long‑term average sustainable diversion limits (for example, following a request under subsection 50(2) of the Act).
Note: The matters in Schedule 12 represent, and are similar but not identical to, the objectives and outcomes set out in Chapters 5, 8 and 9.
13.06 Key evaluation questions
(c) how has the Basin Plan contributed to changes to the environmental, social and economic conditions in the Murray‑Darling Basin?
(g) to what extent has the program for monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of the Basin Plan contributed to adaptive management and improving the available scientific knowledge of the Murray‑Darling Basin?
Division 2 Reviews of water quality targets, environmental watering plan and social and economic impacts
(1) The Authority must evaluate the effectiveness of the Basin Plan against the objectives and outcomes set out in Chapters 5, 8 and 9, and by reference to the matters listed in Schedule 12, for the purposes of:
(d) any other reviews of the long‑term average sustainable diversion limits (for example, following a request under subsection 50(2) of the Act).
Note: The matters in Schedule 12 represent, and are similar but not identical to, the objectives and outcomes set out in Chapters 5, 8 and 9.
(c) how has the Basin Plan contributed to changes to the environmental, social and economic conditions in the Murray‑Darling Basin?
(g) to what extent has the program for monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of the Basin Plan contributed to adaptive management and improving the available scientific knowledge of the Murray‑Darling Basin?
(1) The Authority must complete a review of the water quality targets in the water quality and salinity management plan before the end of 2020 and within every 5 years thereafter.
(3) The Authority may request from a person or body (for example, a person or body mentioned in subsection (4)) any information that it considers necessary to conduct the review.
(4) The review must be undertaken in consultation with the Basin States, the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder and other relevant Commonwealth agencies.
(1) The Authority must complete a review of the environmental watering plan before the end of 2020 and within every 5 years thereafter.
(3) The Authority may request from a person or body (for example, a person or body mentioned in subsection (4)) any information that it considers necessary to conduct the review.
(4) The review must be undertaken in consultation with the Basin States, the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder and other relevant Commonwealth agencies.
(1) The Authority must complete a review of the social and economic impacts of the Basin Plan before the end of 2020 and within every 5 years thereafter.
(1) The Authority may periodically undertake assessments of trends in the condition and availability of the Basin water resources and the social, cultural and economic contexts in which they are used, as revealed by monitoring information.
(2) An assessment must be undertaken in consultation with the Basin States, the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder and other relevant Commonwealth agencies.
(b) unless a contrary intention appears from the Basin Plan—exercising powers or performing functions under the Basin Plan;
(2) If the Authority or a Basin State fails to comply with subsection (1) when exercising a power or performing a function under the Basin Plan, the exercise of the power or the performance of the function is not invalid by reason of the failure.
13.07 Purpose of reviews
13.08 Reviews of the water quality and salinity management plan targets
(1) The Authority must complete a review of the water quality targets in the water quality and salinity management plan before the end of 2020 and within every 5 years thereafter.
(3) The Authority may request from a person or body (for example, a person or body mentioned in subsection (4)) any information that it considers necessary to conduct the review.
(4) The review must be undertaken in consultation with the Basin States, the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder and other relevant Commonwealth agencies.
13.09 Reviews of the environmental watering plan
(1) The Authority must complete a review of the environmental watering plan before the end of 2020 and within every 5 years thereafter.
(3) The Authority may request from a person or body (for example, a person or body mentioned in subsection (4)) any information that it considers necessary to conduct the review.
(4) The review must be undertaken in consultation with the Basin States, the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder and other relevant Commonwealth agencies.
13.09A Reviews of the social and economi 13.09A Reviews of the social and economic impacts of the Basin Plan
(1) The Authority must complete a review of the social and economic impacts of the Basin Plan before the end of 2020 and within every 5 years thereafter.
Division 4 Assessments of Basin condition
(1) The Authority must evaluate the effectiveness of the Basin Plan against the objectives and outcomes set out in Chapters 5, 8 and 9, and by reference to the matters listed in Schedule 12, for the purposes of:
(d) any other reviews of the long‑term average sustainable diversion limits (for example, following a request under subsection 50(2) of the Act).
Note: The matters in Schedule 12 represent, and are similar but not identical to, the objectives and outcomes set out in Chapters 5, 8 and 9.
(c) how has the Basin Plan contributed to changes to the environmental, social and economic conditions in the Murray‑Darling Basin?
(g) to what extent has the program for monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of the Basin Plan contributed to adaptive management and improving the available scientific knowledge of the Murray‑Darling Basin?
(1) The Authority must complete a review of the water quality targets in the water quality and salinity management plan before the end of 2020 and within every 5 years thereafter.
(3) The Authority may request from a person or body (for example, a person or body mentioned in subsection (4)) any information that it considers necessary to conduct the review.
(4) The review must be undertaken in consultation with the Basin States, the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder and other relevant Commonwealth agencies.
(1) The Authority must complete a review of the environmental watering plan before the end of 2020 and within every 5 years thereafter.
(3) The Authority may request from a person or body (for example, a person or body mentioned in subsection (4)) any information that it considers necessary to conduct the review.
(4) The review must be undertaken in consultation with the Basin States, the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder and other relevant Commonwealth agencies.
(1) The Authority must complete a review of the social and economic impacts of the Basin Plan before the end of 2020 and within every 5 years thereafter.
(1) The Authority may periodically undertake assessments of trends in the condition and availability of the Basin water resources and the social, cultural and economic contexts in which they are used, as revealed by monitoring information.
(2) An assessment must be undertaken in consultation with the Basin States, the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder and other relevant Commonwealth agencies.
(b) unless a contrary intention appears from the Basin Plan—exercising powers or performing functions under the Basin Plan;
(2) If the Authority or a Basin State fails to comply with subsection (1) when exercising a power or performing a function under the Basin Plan, the exercise of the power or the performance of the function is not invalid by reason of the failure.
13.11 Periodic assessments of Basin condition
(1) The Authority may periodically undertake assessments of trends in the condition and availability of the Basin water resources and the social, cultural and economic contexts in which they are used, as revealed by monitoring information.
(2) An assessment must be undertaken in consultation with the Basin States, the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder and other relevant Commonwealth agencies.
Division 5 Evaluations, reviews and audits to inform changes to, and implementation of, Basin Plan
(1) The Authority must evaluate the effectiveness of the Basin Plan against the objectives and outcomes set out in Chapters 5, 8 and 9, and by reference to the matters listed in Schedule 12, for the purposes of:
(d) any other reviews of the long‑term average sustainable diversion limits (for example, following a request under subsection 50(2) of the Act).
Note: The matters in Schedule 12 represent, and are similar but not identical to, the objectives and outcomes set out in Chapters 5, 8 and 9.
(c) how has the Basin Plan contributed to changes to the environmental, social and economic conditions in the Murray‑Darling Basin?
(g) to what extent has the program for monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of the Basin Plan contributed to adaptive management and improving the available scientific knowledge of the Murray‑Darling Basin?
(1) The Authority must complete a review of the water quality targets in the water quality and salinity management plan before the end of 2020 and within every 5 years thereafter.
(3) The Authority may request from a person or body (for example, a person or body mentioned in subsection (4)) any information that it considers necessary to conduct the review.
(4) The review must be undertaken in consultation with the Basin States, the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder and other relevant Commonwealth agencies.
(1) The Authority must complete a review of the environmental watering plan before the end of 2020 and within every 5 years thereafter.
(3) The Authority may request from a person or body (for example, a person or body mentioned in subsection (4)) any information that it considers necessary to conduct the review.
(4) The review must be undertaken in consultation with the Basin States, the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder and other relevant Commonwealth agencies.
(1) The Authority must complete a review of the social and economic impacts of the Basin Plan before the end of 2020 and within every 5 years thereafter.
(1) The Authority may periodically undertake assessments of trends in the condition and availability of the Basin water resources and the social, cultural and economic contexts in which they are used, as revealed by monitoring information.
(2) An assessment must be undertaken in consultation with the Basin States, the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder and other relevant Commonwealth agencies.
(b) unless a contrary intention appears from the Basin Plan—exercising powers or performing functions under the Basin Plan;
(2) If the Authority or a Basin State fails to comply with subsection (1) when exercising a power or performing a function under the Basin Plan, the exercise of the power or the performance of the function is not invalid by reason of the failure.
13.12 Evaluations, reviews and audits to inform changes to, and implementation of, Basin Plan
(b) unless a contrary intention appears from the Basin Plan—exercising powers or performing functions under the Basin Plan;
(2) If the Authority or a Basin State fails to comply with subsection (1) when exercising a power or performing a function under the Basin Plan, the exercise of the power or the performance of the function is not invalid by reason of the failure.
Part 4 Reporting requirements
Part 4—Reporting requirements
13.13 Definitions
reporter, for a matter listed in Schedule 12, means the person or body listed as the reporter for the matter.
reporting day, for a matter listed in Schedule 12, means 31 October in the calendar year in which a reporting period for the matter ends or such other day as is determined by the Authority.
reporting period, for a matter listed in Schedule 12:
(a) if the matter is listed as a Category A matter—means the period of 5 years starting on the start day for the matter, and every successive period of 5 years; and
(b) if the matter is listed as a Category B matter—means the period of 1 year starting on the start day for the matter, and every successive period of 1 year.
start day, for a matter listed in Schedule 12, means the day, being a day no later than 1 July 2019, notified by the Authority in writing to the reporters for the matter.
Note 1: For example, the start day for some reporting matters may be the day on which the Basin Plan, or a particular part of the Basin Plan, commences.
Note 2: Reporting days and reporting periods may also be varied by agreement: see section 13.15.
13.14 Reporting requirements for Basin States, the Department etc
(1) For each matter listed in Schedule 12, each reporter listed for the matter must, for each reporting period and by the reporting day, produce a report (including data) on the matter as at the end of the reporting period.
(2) If the reporter is not the Authority, the reporter must, by the reporting day, give the report to the Authority.
Note: The Authority is required to publish copies of all reports: see section 13.22.
13.15 Agreements in relation to reporting requirements
(1) The Authority must use its best endeavours to enter, within 2 years after the commencement of the Basin Plan, into an agreement with:
(a) each Basin State; and
(b) the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder; and
(c) the Department;
in relation to meeting the reporting requirements in section 13.14.
(2) Without limiting subsection (1), an agreement may:
(a) exempt a Basin State, the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder or the Department from reporting on a matter to the extent that the matter is not relevant to that person or body; or
(b) exempt a Basin State from reporting on a matter to the extent that the Basin State already provides the information covered by the report to a Commonwealth agency or a Commonwealth agency otherwise has the information in its possession or control; or
(c) provide for the production of a report in respect of a period other than the reporting period or by a day other than the reporting day; or
(d) if more than one person is listed as the reporter for a matter, permit a joint report to be produced; or
(e) allow a person to contribute information to a report produced by another; or
(f) set out the manner in which the report is to be produced or given to the Authority.
(3) If an agreement provides for the production of a report in respect of a period other than the reporting period, section 13.14 has effect as if the first‑mentioned period were the reporting period.
(4) If an agreement provides for the production of a report by a day other than the reporting day, section 13.14 has effect as if the first‑mentioned day were the reporting day.
(5) The Authority must seek to ensure that an agreement removes unnecessary duplication of effort in the provision of reports.
(6) Nothing in this section prohibits the Authority from entering into agreements for the provision of information other than the information required by section 13.14 (for example, for the purposes of conducting a review under section 50 of the Act).
13.16 Guidelines for reporting requirements
The Authority may publish guidelines in relation to the reporting requirements in this Part, and the Basin States, the Department and the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder may have regard to the guidelines.
13.13 Definitions
13.13 Definitions
reporter, for a matter listed in Schedule 12, means the person or body listed as the reporter for the matter.
reporting day, for a matter listed in Schedule 12, means 31 October in the calendar year in which a reporting period for the matter ends or such other day as is determined by the Authority.
reporting period, for a matter listed in Schedule 12:
(a) if the matter is listed as a Category A matter—means the period of 5 years starting on the start day for the matter, and every successive period of 5 years; and
(b) if the matter is listed as a Category B matter—means the period of 1 year starting on the start day for the matter, and every successive period of 1 year.
start day, for a matter listed in Schedule 12, means the day, being a day no later than 1 July 2019, notified by the Authority in writing to the reporters for the matter.
Note 1: For example, the start day for some reporting matters may be the day on which the Basin Plan, or a particular part of the Basin Plan, commences.
Note 2: Reporting days and reporting periods may also be varied by agreement: see section 13.15.
13.14 Reporting requirements for Basin States, the Department etc
13.14 Reporting requirements for Basin States, the Department etc
(1) For each matter listed in Schedule 12, each reporter listed for the matter must, for each reporting period and by the reporting day, produce a report (including data) on the matter as at the end of the reporting period.
(2) If the reporter is not the Authority, the reporter must, by the reporting day, give the report to the Authority.
Note: The Authority is required to publish copies of all reports: see section 13.22.
13.15 Agreements in relation to reporting requirements
13.15 Agreements in relation to reporting requirements
(1) The Authority must use its best endeavours to enter, within 2 years after the commencement of the Basin Plan, into an agreement with:
(a) each Basin State; and
(b) the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder; and
(c) the Department;
in relation to meeting the reporting requirements in section 13.14.
(2) Without limiting subsection (1), an agreement may:
(a) exempt a Basin State, the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder or the Department from reporting on a matter to the extent that the matter is not relevant to that person or body; or
(b) exempt a Basin State from reporting on a matter to the extent that the Basin State already provides the information covered by the report to a Commonwealth agency or a Commonwealth agency otherwise has the information in its possession or control; or
(c) provide for the production of a report in respect of a period other than the reporting period or by a day other than the reporting day; or
(d) if more than one person is listed as the reporter for a matter, permit a joint report to be produced; or
(e) allow a person to contribute information to a report produced by another; or
(f) set out the manner in which the report is to be produced or given to the Authority.
(3) If an agreement provides for the production of a report in respect of a period other than the reporting period, section 13.14 has effect as if the first‑mentioned period were the reporting period.
(4) If an agreement provides for the production of a report by a day other than the reporting day, section 13.14 has effect as if the first‑mentioned day were the reporting day.
(5) The Authority must seek to ensure that an agreement removes unnecessary duplication of effort in the provision of reports.
(6) Nothing in this section prohibits the Authority from entering into agreements for the provision of information other than the information required by section 13.14 (for example, for the purposes of conducting a review under section 50 of the Act).
13.16 Guidelines for reporting requirements
13.16 Guidelines for reporting requirements
The Authority may publish guidelines in relation to the reporting requirements in this Part, and the Basin States, the Department and the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder may have regard to the guidelines.
Part 5 Publication of information
Part 5—Publication of information
13.17 Publication of monitoring information
The Authority must, in consultation with Basin States, the Department and the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder (as relevant), and any other relevant person or body, take all reasonable steps to publish on its website information (including data) obtained in monitoring the effectiveness of the Basin Plan.
13.18 Publication of evaluation findings and recommendations
(1) The Authority must take all reasonable steps to publish on its website the findings and recommendations arising from its evaluations of the effectiveness of the Basin Plan under Division 1 of Part 3.
(2) The Authority must provide the Basin States, the Department, the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder and any other relevant person or body with an opportunity to comment on the proposed findings and recommendations before the findings and recommendations are published.
13.19 Publication of findings and recommendations arising from reviews
(1) The Authority must take all reasonable steps to publish on its website the findings and recommendations arising from any review conducted under Division 2 of Part 3.
(2) The Authority must provide the Basin States, the Department, the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder and any other relevant person or body with an opportunity to comment on the proposed findings and recommendations before the findings and recommendations are published.
13.21 Publication of findings of assessments
(1) The Authority must take all reasonable steps to publish on its website the findings of each assessment conducted under Division 4 of Part 3.
(2) The Authority must provide the Basin States, the Department, the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder and any other relevant person or body with an opportunity to comment on the proposed findings before the findings are published.
13.22 Publication of reports produced under Part 4
(1) The Authority must take all reasonable steps to publish on its website a copy of each report produced by or given to the Authority under Part 4.
(2) However, if the person or body (other than the Authority) who produced the report has published the report on a website, the Authority need not publish the report on its website.
13.17 Publication of monitoring information
13.17 Publication of monitoring information
The Authority must, in consultation with Basin States, the Department and the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder (as relevant), and any other relevant person or body, take all reasonable steps to publish on its website information (including data) obtained in monitoring the effectiveness of the Basin Plan.
13.18 Publication of evaluation findings and recommendations
13.18 Publication of evaluation findings and recommendations
(1) The Authority must take all reasonable steps to publish on its website the findings and recommendations arising from its evaluations of the effectiveness of the Basin Plan under Division 1 of Part 3.
(2) The Authority must provide the Basin States, the Department, the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder and any other relevant person or body with an opportunity to comment on the proposed findings and recommendations before the findings and recommendations are published.
13.19 Publication of findings and recommendations arising from reviews
13.19 Publication of findings and recommendations arising from reviews
(1) The Authority must take all reasonable steps to publish on its website the findings and recommendations arising from any review conducted under Division 2 of Part 3.
(2) The Authority must provide the Basin States, the Department, the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder and any other relevant person or body with an opportunity to comment on the proposed findings and recommendations before the findings and recommendations are published.
13.21 Publication of findings of assessments
13.21 Publication of findings of assessments
(1) The Authority must take all reasonable steps to publish on its website the findings of each assessment conducted under Division 4 of Part 3.
(2) The Authority must provide the Basin States, the Department, the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder and any other relevant person or body with an opportunity to comment on the proposed findings before the findings are published.
13.22 Publication of reports produced under Part 4
13.22 Publication of reports produced under Part 4
(1) The Authority must take all reasonable steps to publish on its website a copy of each report produced by or given to the Authority under Part 4.
(2) However, if the person or body (other than the Authority) who produced the report has published the report on a website, the Authority need not publish the report on its website.
Part 6 Improving monitoring, evaluation and reporting capabilities
Part 6—Improving monitoring, evaluation and reporting capabilities
13.23 Improving monitoring, evaluation and reporting capabilities
(1) The Authority must complete an assessment of monitoring, evaluation and reporting capabilities relevant to this Chapter before the end of 2020.
(2) When conducting the assessment, the Authority must have regard to the findings and recommendations arising from relevant evaluations, reviews, audits and assessments conducted under Part 3.
(3) If the assessment identifies improvements that can be made to monitoring capabilities, the Authority must use its best endeavours, with the Basin States, the Department, the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder and any other relevant persons or bodies, to give effect to those improvements.
13.23 Improving monitoring, evaluation and reporting capabilities
13.23 Improving monitoring, evaluation and reporting capabilities
(1) The Authority must complete an assessment of monitoring, evaluation and reporting capabilities relevant to this Chapter before the end of 2020.
(2) When conducting the assessment, the Authority must have regard to the findings and recommendations arising from relevant evaluations, reviews, audits and assessments conducted under Part 3.
(3) If the assessment identifies improvements that can be made to monitoring capabilities, the Authority must use its best endeavours, with the Basin States, the Department, the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder and any other relevant persons or bodies, to give effect to those improvements.