Part Part 5 - Basin Plan 2012 - Management objectives and outcomes to be achieved by Basin Plan | Zoe

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Basin Plan 2012

Part 5Management objectives and outcomes to be achieved by Basin Plan

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Chapter 5—Management objectives and outcomes to be achieved by Basin Plan

5.01 Simplified outline

(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
(c) in relation to water quality and salinity; and
(d) in relation to the long‑term average sustainable diversion limits; and
(e) in relation to trading in the water market.

Note: The temporary diversion provision for each SDL resource unit is zero—see section 6.07. Accordingly, there are no objectives or outcomes in relation to the temporary diversion provision.

5.02 Objectives and outcome for Basin Plan as a whole

(1) The objectives for the Basin Plan as a whole are:

(a) to give effect to relevant international agreements through the integrated management of Basin water resources; and
(b) to establish a sustainable and long‑term adaptive management framework for the Basin water resources, that takes into account the broader management of natural resources in the Murray‑Darling Basin; and
(c) to optimise social, economic and environmental outcomes arising from the use of Basin water resources in the national interest; and
(d) to improve water security for all uses of Basin water resources.

(2) The outcome for the Basin Plan as a whole is a healthy and working Murray‑Darling Basin that includes:

(a) communities with sufficient and reliable water supplies that are fit for a range of intended purposes, including domestic, recreational and cultural use; and
(b) productive and resilient water‑dependent industries, and communities with confidence in their long‑term future; and
(c) healthy and resilient ecosystems with rivers and creeks regularly connected to their floodplains and, ultimately, the ocean.

5.03 Objectives and outcome in relation to environmental outcomes

(1) The objectives in relation to environmental outcomes are, within the context of a working Murray‑Darling Basin:

(c) to ensure that water‑dependent ecosystems are resilient to climate change and other risks and threats; and
(d) to ensure that environmental watering is co‑ordinated between managers of planned environmental water, owners and managers of environmental assets, and holders of held environmental water.

Note 1: The fact that water storages and property (including floodplains) are under the control of various persons currently restricts the capacity to actively manage all water‑dependent ecosystems.

(a) inform environmental water recovery measures, including water purchasing and infrastructure that improves water use efficiency; and
(b) provide greater certainty for all water users, including in times of drought and low water availability; and
(c) provide time for water access entitlement holders and communities to transition and adjust to long‑term average sustainable diversion limits.

(a) the restoration and protection of water‑dependent ecosystems and ecosystem functions in the Murray‑Darling Basin; and
(b) well‑informed water recovery measures, including water purchasing and infrastructure, enable a transition to long‑term average sustainable diversion limits; and
(c) greater certainty of access to Basin water resources; and
(d) water access entitlement holders and communities of the Murray‑Darling Basin are better adapted to reduced quantities of available water.

(a) to facilitate the operation of efficient water markets and the opportunities for trading, within and between Basin States, where water resources are physically shared or hydrologic connections and water supply considerations will permit water trading; and
(b) to minimise transaction cost on water trades, including through good information flows in the market and compatible entitlement, registry, regulatory and other arrangements across jurisdictions; and
(c) to enable the appropriate mix of water products to develop based on water access entitlements which can be traded either in whole or in part, and either temporarily or permanently, or through lease arrangements or other trading options that may evolve over time; and
(d) to recognise and protect the needs of the environment; and
(e) to provide appropriate protection of third‑party interests.

(a) facilitates water reaching its most productive use; and
(b) enhances the productivity and growth of water‑dependent industries; and
(c) enables water‑dependent industries to:
(i) better manage through extreme events under current climate variability; and
(ii) strengthen their capacity to adapt to future climate change.

(a) the long‑term average sustainable diversion limits (SDLs) (Part 2); and
(b) the temporary diversion provision (Part 3); and
(c) the method for determining compliance with the long‑term annual diversion limit (Part 4); and
(d) allocation of risks in relation to reductions in diversion limits (Part 5); and
(e) risks arising from other changes to the Basin Plan (Part 5).

(a) the long‑term average sustainable diversion limits (SDLs) (Part 2); and
(b) the temporary diversion provision (Part 3); and
(c) the method for determining compliance with the long‑term annual diversion limit (Part 4); and
(d) allocation of risks in relation to reductions in diversion limits (Part 5); and
(e) risks arising from other changes to the Basin Plan (Part 5).

(f) the southern Basin Australian Capital Territory zone, made up of the Australian Capital Territory (surface water) SDL resource unit (SS1).

(ii) before any water resource plan is submitted by the State for a water resource plan area in the zone (excluding any water resource plan submitted before 14 November 2017); and
(b) if made before the substitution of this section by the Basin Plan 2012—is expressed to be made in anticipation of the substitution of this section by that instrument; and
(ii) no SDL resource unit has an SDL that is larger than would result from replacing its shared reduction amount with zero; and
(d) takes into account the amount of water already recovered by the Commonwealth at the time of the request (and does not, for example, request an SDL resource unit shared reduction amount for a unit that is lower than the amount of water already recovered by the Commonwealth at the time of the request).

(b) must take into account the amount of water already recovered by the Commonwealth at the time of the request (and must not, for example, request an SDL resource unit shared reduction amount for a unit that is lower than the amount of water already recovered by the Commonwealth at the time of the request); and
(c) must not change the SDL resource unit shared reduction amounts for SDL resource units in a water resource plan area for which a water resource plan has already been submitted.

(b) if no such amounts have been published under subsection (8)—publish the variations to the SDL resource unit shared reduction amounts for SDL resource units in the relevant zone on its website.

(f) the southern Basin Australian Capital Territory zone, made up of the Australian Capital Territory (surface water) SDL resource unit (SS1).

(ii) before any water resource plan is submitted by the State for a water resource plan area in the zone (excluding any water resource plan submitted before 14 November 2017); and
(b) if made before the substitution of this section by the Basin Plan 2012—is expressed to be made in anticipation of the substitution of this section by that instrument; and
(ii) no SDL resource unit has an SDL that is larger than would result from replacing its shared reduction amount with zero; and
(d) takes into account the amount of water already recovered by the Commonwealth at the time of the request (and does not, for example, request an SDL resource unit shared reduction amount for a unit that is lower than the amount of water already recovered by the Commonwealth at the time of the request).

(b) must take into account the amount of water already recovered by the Commonwealth at the time of the request (and must not, for example, request an SDL resource unit shared reduction amount for a unit that is lower than the amount of water already recovered by the Commonwealth at the time of the request); and
(c) must not change the SDL resource unit shared reduction amounts for SDL resource units in a water resource plan area for which a water resource plan has already been submitted.

(b) if no such amounts have been published under subsection (8)—publish the variations to the SDL resource unit shared reduction amounts for SDL resource units in the relevant zone on its website.

(f) the southern Basin Australian Capital Territory zone, made up of the Australian Capital Territory (surface water) SDL resource unit (SS1).

(ii) before any water resource plan is submitted by the State for a water resource plan area in the zone (excluding any water resource plan submitted before 14 November 2017); and
(b) if made before the substitution of this section by the Basin Plan 2012—is expressed to be made in anticipation of the substitution of this section by that instrument; and
(ii) no SDL resource unit has an SDL that is larger than would result from replacing its shared reduction amount with zero; and
(d) takes into account the amount of water already recovered by the Commonwealth at the time of the request (and does not, for example, request an SDL resource unit shared reduction amount for a unit that is lower than the amount of water already recovered by the Commonwealth at the time of the request).

(b) must take into account the amount of water already recovered by the Commonwealth at the time of the request (and must not, for example, request an SDL resource unit shared reduction amount for a unit that is lower than the amount of water already recovered by the Commonwealth at the time of the request); and
(c) must not change the SDL resource unit shared reduction amounts for SDL resource units in a water resource plan area for which a water resource plan has already been submitted.

(b) if no such amounts have been published under subsection (8)—publish the variations to the SDL resource unit shared reduction amounts for SDL resource units in the relevant zone on its website.

(f) the southern Basin Australian Capital Territory zone, made up of the Australian Capital Territory (surface water) SDL resource unit (SS1).

(ii) before any water resource plan is submitted by the State for a water resource plan area in the zone (excluding any water resource plan submitted before 14 November 2017); and
(b) if made before the substitution of this section by the Basin Plan 2012—is expressed to be made in anticipation of the substitution of this section by that instrument; and
(ii) no SDL resource unit has an SDL that is larger than would result from replacing its shared reduction amount with zero; and
(d) takes into account the amount of water already recovered by the Commonwealth at the time of the request (and does not, for example, request an SDL resource unit shared reduction amount for a unit that is lower than the amount of water already recovered by the Commonwealth at the time of the request).

(b) must take into account the amount of water already recovered by the Commonwealth at the time of the request (and must not, for example, request an SDL resource unit shared reduction amount for a unit that is lower than the amount of water already recovered by the Commonwealth at the time of the request); and
(c) must not change the SDL resource unit shared reduction amounts for SDL resource units in a water resource plan area for which a water resource plan has already been submitted.

(b) if no such amounts have been published under subsection (8)—publish the variations to the SDL resource unit shared reduction amounts for SDL resource units in the relevant zone on its website.

(f) the southern Basin Australian Capital Territory zone, made up of the Australian Capital Territory (surface water) SDL resource unit (SS1).

(ii) before any water resource plan is submitted by the State for a water resource plan area in the zone (excluding any water resource plan submitted before 14 November 2017); and
(b) if made before the substitution of this section by the Basin Plan 2012—is expressed to be made in anticipation of the substitution of this section by that instrument; and
(ii) no SDL resource unit has an SDL that is larger than would result from replacing its shared reduction amount with zero; and
(d) takes into account the amount of water already recovered by the Commonwealth at the time of the request (and does not, for example, request an SDL resource unit shared reduction amount for a unit that is lower than the amount of water already recovered by the Commonwealth at the time of the request).

(b) must take into account the amount of water already recovered by the Commonwealth at the time of the request (and must not, for example, request an SDL resource unit shared reduction amount for a unit that is lower than the amount of water already recovered by the Commonwealth at the time of the request); and
(c) must not change the SDL resource unit shared reduction amounts for SDL resource units in a water resource plan area for which a water resource plan has already been submitted.

(b) if no such amounts have been published under subsection (8)—publish the variations to the SDL resource unit shared reduction amounts for SDL resource units in the relevant zone on its website.

(b) worked out in accordance with an alternative method determined by the Authority in consultation with the relevant Basin State before whichever of the following applies:
(i) if the water resource plan for the surface water SDL resource unit is accredited as at the commencement of this section—on or before the first 30 June after that commencement;
(ii) if the water resource plan for the surface water SDL resource unit is not accredited as at the commencement of this section—on or before 30 June of the water accounting period in which the register of take commences.

(a) determine the new cumulative balance of the difference between annual permitted take and annual actual take for the SDL resource unit; and

(a) the cumulative balance for the SDL resource unit, adjusted to account for any disposal or acquisition of held environmental water, is a debit amount equal to or greater than 20% of the long‑term annual diversion limit for the SDL resource unit; and

(a) it has provided a report to the Authority and to the Inspector‑General setting out the reasons for the excess, with evidence for the claim; and

(b) circumstances beyond the Basin State’s control (for example where, for reasons beyond the Basin State’s control, the Commonwealth has not achieved the water recovery target that it has set for itself in relation to the SDL resource unit).

(a) the sum of annual actual take in the water accounting periods since 1 July 2019 is greater than the sum of annual permitted take for those water accounting periods plus 20% of the long‑term annual diversion limit for the SDL resource unit, after adjusting, for any previous water accounting period in which the circumstances mentioned in the example in paragraph (4)(b) applied, by the amount attributable to those circumstances; and

(a) the average annual actual take over the 10 year period ending with that water accounting period is greater than the average annual permitted take over the 10 year period, after adjusting, for any previous water accounting period in which the circumstances mentioned in the example in paragraph (4)(b) applied, by the amount attributable to those circumstances; and

(a) it has provided a report to the Authority and to the Inspector‑General setting out the reasons for the excess, with evidence for the claim; and

(b) circumstances beyond the Basin State’s control (for example where, for reasons beyond the Basin State’s control, the Commonwealth has not achieved the water recovery target that it has set for itself in relation to the SDL resource unit).

(b) worked out in accordance with an alternative method determined by the Authority in consultation with the relevant Basin State before whichever of the following applies:
(i) if the water resource plan for the surface water SDL resource unit is accredited as at the commencement of this section—on or before the first 30 June after that commencement;
(ii) if the water resource plan for the surface water SDL resource unit is not accredited as at the commencement of this section—on or before 30 June of the water accounting period in which the register of take commences.

(a) determine the new cumulative balance of the difference between annual permitted take and annual actual take for the SDL resource unit; and

(a) the cumulative balance for the SDL resource unit, adjusted to account for any disposal or acquisition of held environmental water, is a debit amount equal to or greater than 20% of the long‑term annual diversion limit for the SDL resource unit; and

(a) it has provided a report to the Authority and to the Inspector‑General setting out the reasons for the excess, with evidence for the claim; and

(b) circumstances beyond the Basin State’s control (for example where, for reasons beyond the Basin State’s control, the Commonwealth has not achieved the water recovery target that it has set for itself in relation to the SDL resource unit).

(a) the sum of annual actual take in the water accounting periods since 1 July 2019 is greater than the sum of annual permitted take for those water accounting periods plus 20% of the long‑term annual diversion limit for the SDL resource unit, after adjusting, for any previous water accounting period in which the circumstances mentioned in the example in paragraph (4)(b) applied, by the amount attributable to those circumstances; and

(a) the average annual actual take over the 10 year period ending with that water accounting period is greater than the average annual permitted take over the 10 year period, after adjusting, for any previous water accounting period in which the circumstances mentioned in the example in paragraph (4)(b) applied, by the amount attributable to those circumstances; and

(a) it has provided a report to the Authority and to the Inspector‑General setting out the reasons for the excess, with evidence for the claim; and

(b) circumstances beyond the Basin State’s control (for example where, for reasons beyond the Basin State’s control, the Commonwealth has not achieved the water recovery target that it has set for itself in relation to the SDL resource unit).

(b) worked out in accordance with an alternative method determined by the Authority in consultation with the relevant Basin State before whichever of the following applies:
(i) if the water resource plan for the surface water SDL resource unit is accredited as at the commencement of this section—on or before the first 30 June after that commencement;
(ii) if the water resource plan for the surface water SDL resource unit is not accredited as at the commencement of this section—on or before 30 June of the water accounting period in which the register of take commences.

(a) determine the new cumulative balance of the difference between annual permitted take and annual actual take for the SDL resource unit; and

(a) the cumulative balance for the SDL resource unit, adjusted to account for any disposal or acquisition of held environmental water, is a debit amount equal to or greater than 20% of the long‑term annual diversion limit for the SDL resource unit; and

(a) it has provided a report to the Authority and to the Inspector‑General setting out the reasons for the excess, with evidence for the claim; and

(b) circumstances beyond the Basin State’s control (for example where, for reasons beyond the Basin State’s control, the Commonwealth has not achieved the water recovery target that it has set for itself in relation to the SDL resource unit).

(a) the sum of annual actual take in the water accounting periods since 1 July 2019 is greater than the sum of annual permitted take for those water accounting periods plus 20% of the long‑term annual diversion limit for the SDL resource unit, after adjusting, for any previous water accounting period in which the circumstances mentioned in the example in paragraph (4)(b) applied, by the amount attributable to those circumstances; and

(a) the average annual actual take over the 10 year period ending with that water accounting period is greater than the average annual permitted take over the 10 year period, after adjusting, for any previous water accounting period in which the circumstances mentioned in the example in paragraph (4)(b) applied, by the amount attributable to those circumstances; and

(a) it has provided a report to the Authority and to the Inspector‑General setting out the reasons for the excess, with evidence for the claim; and

(b) circumstances beyond the Basin State’s control (for example where, for reasons beyond the Basin State’s control, the Commonwealth has not achieved the water recovery target that it has set for itself in relation to the SDL resource unit).

(b) worked out in accordance with an alternative method determined by the Authority in consultation with the relevant Basin State before whichever of the following applies:
(i) if the water resource plan for the surface water SDL resource unit is accredited as at the commencement of this section—on or before the first 30 June after that commencement;
(ii) if the water resource plan for the surface water SDL resource unit is not accredited as at the commencement of this section—on or before 30 June of the water accounting period in which the register of take commences.

(b) worked out in accordance with an alternative method determined by the Authority in consultation with the relevant Basin State before whichever of the following applies:
(i) if the water resource plan for the surface water SDL resource unit is accredited as at the commencement of this section—on or before the first 30 June after that commencement;
(ii) if the water resource plan for the surface water SDL resource unit is not accredited as at the commencement of this section—on or before 30 June of the water accounting period in which the register of take commences.

(a) determine the new cumulative balance of the difference between annual permitted take and annual actual take for the SDL resource unit; and

(a) the cumulative balance for the SDL resource unit, adjusted to account for any disposal or acquisition of held environmental water, is a debit amount equal to or greater than 20% of the long‑term annual diversion limit for the SDL resource unit; and

(a) it has provided a report to the Authority and to the Inspector‑General setting out the reasons for the excess, with evidence for the claim; and

(b) circumstances beyond the Basin State’s control (for example where, for reasons beyond the Basin State’s control, the Commonwealth has not achieved the water recovery target that it has set for itself in relation to the SDL resource unit).

(a) the sum of annual actual take in the water accounting periods since 1 July 2019 is greater than the sum of annual permitted take for those water accounting periods plus 20% of the long‑term annual diversion limit for the SDL resource unit, after adjusting, for any previous water accounting period in which the circumstances mentioned in the example in paragraph (4)(b) applied, by the amount attributable to those circumstances; and

(a) the average annual actual take over the 10 year period ending with that water accounting period is greater than the average annual permitted take over the 10 year period, after adjusting, for any previous water accounting period in which the circumstances mentioned in the example in paragraph (4)(b) applied, by the amount attributable to those circumstances; and

(a) it has provided a report to the Authority and to the Inspector‑General setting out the reasons for the excess, with evidence for the claim; and

(b) circumstances beyond the Basin State’s control (for example where, for reasons beyond the Basin State’s control, the Commonwealth has not achieved the water recovery target that it has set for itself in relation to the SDL resource unit).

(a) determine the new cumulative balance of the difference between annual permitted take and annual actual take for the SDL resource unit; and

(a) the cumulative balance for the SDL resource unit, adjusted to account for any disposal or acquisition of held environmental water, is a debit amount equal to or greater than 20% of the long‑term annual diversion limit for the SDL resource unit; and

(a) it has provided a report to the Authority and to the Inspector‑General setting out the reasons for the excess, with evidence for the claim; and

(b) circumstances beyond the Basin State’s control (for example where, for reasons beyond the Basin State’s control, the Commonwealth has not achieved the water recovery target that it has set for itself in relation to the SDL resource unit).

(b) worked out in accordance with an alternative method determined by the Authority in consultation with the relevant Basin State before whichever of the following applies:
(i) if the water resource plan for the surface water SDL resource unit is accredited as at the commencement of this section—on or before the first 30 June after that commencement;
(ii) if the water resource plan for the surface water SDL resource unit is not accredited as at the commencement of this section—on or before 30 June of the water accounting period in which the register of take commences.

(a) determine the new cumulative balance of the difference between annual permitted take and annual actual take for the SDL resource unit; and

(a) the cumulative balance for the SDL resource unit, adjusted to account for any disposal or acquisition of held environmental water, is a debit amount equal to or greater than 20% of the long‑term annual diversion limit for the SDL resource unit; and

(a) it has provided a report to the Authority and to the Inspector‑General setting out the reasons for the excess, with evidence for the claim; and

(b) circumstances beyond the Basin State’s control (for example where, for reasons beyond the Basin State’s control, the Commonwealth has not achieved the water recovery target that it has set for itself in relation to the SDL resource unit).

(a) the sum of annual actual take in the water accounting periods since 1 July 2019 is greater than the sum of annual permitted take for those water accounting periods plus 20% of the long‑term annual diversion limit for the SDL resource unit, after adjusting, for any previous water accounting period in which the circumstances mentioned in the example in paragraph (4)(b) applied, by the amount attributable to those circumstances; and

(a) the average annual actual take over the 10 year period ending with that water accounting period is greater than the average annual permitted take over the 10 year period, after adjusting, for any previous water accounting period in which the circumstances mentioned in the example in paragraph (4)(b) applied, by the amount attributable to those circumstances; and

(a) it has provided a report to the Authority and to the Inspector‑General setting out the reasons for the excess, with evidence for the claim; and

(b) circumstances beyond the Basin State’s control (for example where, for reasons beyond the Basin State’s control, the Commonwealth has not achieved the water recovery target that it has set for itself in relation to the SDL resource unit).

(a) the sum of annual actual take in the water accounting periods since 1 July 2019 is greater than the sum of annual permitted take for those water accounting periods plus 20% of the long‑term annual diversion limit for the SDL resource unit, after adjusting, for any previous water accounting period in which the circumstances mentioned in the example in paragraph (4)(b) applied, by the amount attributable to those circumstances; and

(a) the average annual actual take over the 10 year period ending with that water accounting period is greater than the average annual permitted take over the 10 year period, after adjusting, for any previous water accounting period in which the circumstances mentioned in the example in paragraph (4)(b) applied, by the amount attributable to those circumstances; and

(a) it has provided a report to the Authority and to the Inspector‑General setting out the reasons for the excess, with evidence for the claim; and

(b) circumstances beyond the Basin State’s control (for example where, for reasons beyond the Basin State’s control, the Commonwealth has not achieved the water recovery target that it has set for itself in relation to the SDL resource unit).

(a) supply measures and efficiency measures that are notified by a process set out in section 7.12 and will come into operation by 31 December 2026; and
(b) additional HEW entitlements that are acquired from time to time and specified by the Minister under section 7.08B.

(a) new measures that will increase the supply of water or the efficiency of water use (Part 2); or
(b) new acquisitions of held environmental water that was previously used for consumptive purposes (Part 2); or
(c) new or improved information relating to groundwater SDL resource units (Part 4).

(c) is acquired before 1 January 2027 by the Commonwealth or another person in conjunction with, or to take advantage of the water savings achieved by, an additional efficiency measure.

(c) is acquired before 1 January 2027 by the Commonwealth or another person in conjunction with, or to take advantage of the water savings achieved by, a notified efficiency measure.

(a) changes to water infrastructure;
(b) changes to other infrastructure that affect the hydrology of the Basin;
(c) changes to legal requirements, including to Commonwealth or State laws, that affect the way water is used;
(d) changes in river management and river operational practices;
(e) changes in methods of delivering water.

(a) publish a draft determination of the amounts of the proposed adjustments on its website, with an account of how they were arrived at and the reasons for decisions made in arriving at the draft determination; and
(b) invite the public to make submissions about the draft determination within a period of not less than 1 month.

(a) identifies and describes the physical, operational and management constraints that are affecting, or have the potential to affect, environmental water delivery; and
(b) assists all jurisdictions to participate in constraint measures in order to allow environmental water to be used to maximum effect and to maximise the benefits of any increase in held environmental water; and
(c) evaluates options, opportunities and risks to water users, communities and the environment, associated with addressing key constraints, including through constraint measures that are relevant to measures that might be notified under section 7.12; and
(d) assesses the impacts of modifications of constraints on environmental water delivery and third parties, as well as downstream impacts, and assesses options to address those impacts; and
(e) identifies mechanisms by which impacts on third parties can be addressed.

(a) maximises the benefits of the constraint measures to deliver environmental outcomes, including but not limited to enhanced environmental outcomes and outcomes identified by the Constraints Management Strategy; and
(b) provides, as far as practicable, a common approach across river systems and jurisdictions including, but not limited to, in relation to:
(i) reporting, transparency and public accountability; and
(ii) program implementation and governance including regulatory approvals; and
(iii) supporting the acceleration of constraint measures by 31 December 2026; and
(iv) managing impacts on third parties.

(a) be sourced from the unit; and
(b) be held environmental water; and
(c) if specified after 31 December 2027—have become, or been contracted to become, held environmental water before that date; and
(d) not have become held environmental water as a result of notified efficiency measures or additional efficiency measures, except as provided in subsection (4).

(a) decreases the amount of water taken for consumptive use relative to the benchmark conditions of development; and
(b) increases the volume of the Basin water resources that is available for environmental use; and
(c) will contribute to enhancing environmental outcomes as mentioned in subsection 86AA(1) of the Act, including the outcomes set out in Schedule 5 to the Basin Plan.

(a) the right, or the part of the right, is specified after 31 December 2026; and
(b) it was not included in the determination for paragraph 7.21(2)(a) (whether or not it was on the register mentioned in section 7.13 on 31 December 2026).

(a) new measures that will increase the supply of water or the efficiency of water use (Part 2); or
(b) new acquisitions of held environmental water that was previously used for consumptive purposes (Part 2); or
(c) new or improved information relating to groundwater SDL resource units (Part 4).

(c) is acquired before 1 January 2027 by the Commonwealth or another person in conjunction with, or to take advantage of the water savings achieved by, an additional efficiency measure.

(c) is acquired before 1 January 2027 by the Commonwealth or another person in conjunction with, or to take advantage of the water savings achieved by, a notified efficiency measure.

(a) changes to water infrastructure;
(b) changes to other infrastructure that affect the hydrology of the Basin;
(c) changes to legal requirements, including to Commonwealth or State laws, that affect the way water is used;
(d) changes in river management and river operational practices;
(e) changes in methods of delivering water.

(a) publish a draft determination of the amounts of the proposed adjustments on its website, with an account of how they were arrived at and the reasons for decisions made in arriving at the draft determination; and
(b) invite the public to make submissions about the draft determination within a period of not less than 1 month.

(a) identifies and describes the physical, operational and management constraints that are affecting, or have the potential to affect, environmental water delivery; and
(b) assists all jurisdictions to participate in constraint measures in order to allow environmental water to be used to maximum effect and to maximise the benefits of any increase in held environmental water; and
(c) evaluates options, opportunities and risks to water users, communities and the environment, associated with addressing key constraints, including through constraint measures that are relevant to measures that might be notified under section 7.12; and
(d) assesses the impacts of modifications of constraints on environmental water delivery and third parties, as well as downstream impacts, and assesses options to address those impacts; and
(e) identifies mechanisms by which impacts on third parties can be addressed.

(a) maximises the benefits of the constraint measures to deliver environmental outcomes, including but not limited to enhanced environmental outcomes and outcomes identified by the Constraints Management Strategy; and
(b) provides, as far as practicable, a common approach across river systems and jurisdictions including, but not limited to, in relation to:
(i) reporting, transparency and public accountability; and
(ii) program implementation and governance including regulatory approvals; and
(iii) supporting the acceleration of constraint measures by 31 December 2026; and
(iv) managing impacts on third parties.

(a) be sourced from the unit; and
(b) be held environmental water; and
(c) if specified after 31 December 2027—have become, or been contracted to become, held environmental water before that date; and
(d) not have become held environmental water as a result of notified efficiency measures or additional efficiency measures, except as provided in subsection (4).

(a) decreases the amount of water taken for consumptive use relative to the benchmark conditions of development; and
(b) increases the volume of the Basin water resources that is available for environmental use; and
(c) will contribute to enhancing environmental outcomes as mentioned in subsection 86AA(1) of the Act, including the outcomes set out in Schedule 5 to the Basin Plan.

(a) the right, or the part of the right, is specified after 31 December 2026; and
(b) it was not included in the determination for paragraph 7.21(2)(a) (whether or not it was on the register mentioned in section 7.13 on 31 December 2026).

(a) for efficiency measures—environmental outcomes are increased while maintaining or improving social and economic outcomes; and
(b) for supply measures—equivalent environmental outcomes are achieved with a lower volume of held environmental water than would otherwise be required; and

(c) where constraints on the capacity to deliver environmental water are removed or eased—available environmental water can be used to maximum effect; and
(d) enhanced economic, social and environmental outcomes compared with the benchmark environmental outcomes and benchmark conditions of development can be achieved for the Murray‑Darling Basin, including through more efficient water use, improved river operations, improved outcomes for the River Murray floodplain, River Murray river water quality, estuarine health, Murray Mouth opening, higher average lake levels and increased in‑stream flows and variability; and
(e) the easing or removal of constraints and the addition of 450 GL per year of environmental water above the 2750 GL benchmark conditions of development, under the Commonwealth’s program, allow the enhanced environmental outcomes as set out in Schedule 5 to be pursued as compared to the benchmark environmental outcomes.

(a) for each affected unit, determine the amounts of proposed adjustments resulting from the notified measures in accordance with Division 4; and
(ii) an adjustment of the SDL for the Basin water resources equal to the net effect of the adjustments for all the affected units.

(c) for each kind of entitlement for a surface water SDL resource unit—the long‑term average quantity of water, in GL per year, that is available under the entitlements of that kind from time to time.

(i) was made before 1 July 2016, for the purposes of section 7.23 as it stood before the repeal of that section by the Basin Plan Amendment Instrument 2017 (No. 1), and has not been withdrawn or replaced by a request referred to in subparagraph (ii); or
(ii) was made between 1 July 2016 and 30 June 2017, and expressed to be made in anticipation of the insertion of this section by the Basin Plan Amendment Instrument 2017 (No. 1); and
(ii) no SDL resource unit has an SDL that is larger than would result from replacing its shared reduction amount with zero.

(d) there are no detrimental impacts on reliability of supply of water to the holders of water access rights that are not offset or negated.

(b) if the Authority, having consulted the Basin Officials Committee, decides that another method is preferable—that method.

(a) The supply contributions to the proposed adjustments achieve equivalent environmental outcomes compared with the benchmark environmental outcomes.

(b) The efficiency contributions to the proposed adjustments achieve neutral or improved socio‑economic outcomes compared with the outcomes under benchmark conditions of development as evidenced by:
(i) the participation of consumptive water users in projects that recover water through works to improve irrigation water use efficiency on their farms; or
(ia) the participation of consumptive water users in projects that recover water through works to improve water use efficiency off‑farm; or
(ii) alternative arrangements proposed by a Basin State, assessed by that State as achieving water recovery with neutral or improved socio‑economic outcomes.

(c) Any processes approved by the Murray‑Darling Basin Ministerial Council for developing initiatives for satisfying these criteria, including opportunities for public consultation, have been observed.

(b) complies with any agreement relating to the apportionment of supply contributions that has been reached by the Commonwealth and States.

(a) an adjustment of the SDL for each affected unit equal to the net effect of supply and efficiency contributions for the unit; and
(b) an adjustment of the SDL for the Basin water resources equal to the net effect of the adjustments for all the affected units.

(A) the notified measures, the additional supply measures, the additional efficiency measures and the additional HEW entitlements as determined for subsection (2); and
(b) calculate, for each affected unit, the difference between the 2017 SDLs as they would be if adjusted by the overall adjustments, and the current SDLs (the difference for the unit); and
(ii) an adjustment of the SDL for the Basin water resources equal to the net effect of the adjustments for all the affected units.

(b) the varying HEW contribution, in the form of a formula as a function of time, either varying continuously or changing at specified times from 31 December 2026 onward.

(a) for efficiency measures—environmental outcomes are increased while maintaining or improving social and economic outcomes; and
(b) for supply measures—equivalent environmental outcomes are achieved with a lower volume of held environmental water than would otherwise be required; and

(c) where constraints on the capacity to deliver environmental water are removed or eased—available environmental water can be used to maximum effect; and
(d) enhanced economic, social and environmental outcomes compared with the benchmark environmental outcomes and benchmark conditions of development can be achieved for the Murray‑Darling Basin, including through more efficient water use, improved river operations, improved outcomes for the River Murray floodplain, River Murray river water quality, estuarine health, Murray Mouth opening, higher average lake levels and increased in‑stream flows and variability; and
(e) the easing or removal of constraints and the addition of 450 GL per year of environmental water above the 2750 GL benchmark conditions of development, under the Commonwealth’s program, allow the enhanced environmental outcomes as set out in Schedule 5 to be pursued as compared to the benchmark environmental outcomes.

(a) for each affected unit, determine the amounts of proposed adjustments resulting from the notified measures in accordance with Division 4; and
(ii) an adjustment of the SDL for the Basin water resources equal to the net effect of the adjustments for all the affected units.

(c) for each kind of entitlement for a surface water SDL resource unit—the long‑term average quantity of water, in GL per year, that is available under the entitlements of that kind from time to time.

(i) was made before 1 July 2016, for the purposes of section 7.23 as it stood before the repeal of that section by the Basin Plan Amendment Instrument 2017 (No. 1), and has not been withdrawn or replaced by a request referred to in subparagraph (ii); or
(ii) was made between 1 July 2016 and 30 June 2017, and expressed to be made in anticipation of the insertion of this section by the Basin Plan Amendment Instrument 2017 (No. 1); and
(ii) no SDL resource unit has an SDL that is larger than would result from replacing its shared reduction amount with zero.

(d) there are no detrimental impacts on reliability of supply of water to the holders of water access rights that are not offset or negated.

(b) if the Authority, having consulted the Basin Officials Committee, decides that another method is preferable—that method.

(a) The supply contributions to the proposed adjustments achieve equivalent environmental outcomes compared with the benchmark environmental outcomes.

(b) The efficiency contributions to the proposed adjustments achieve neutral or improved socio‑economic outcomes compared with the outcomes under benchmark conditions of development as evidenced by:
(i) the participation of consumptive water users in projects that recover water through works to improve irrigation water use efficiency on their farms; or
(ia) the participation of consumptive water users in projects that recover water through works to improve water use efficiency off‑farm; or
(ii) alternative arrangements proposed by a Basin State, assessed by that State as achieving water recovery with neutral or improved socio‑economic outcomes.

(c) Any processes approved by the Murray‑Darling Basin Ministerial Council for developing initiatives for satisfying these criteria, including opportunities for public consultation, have been observed.

(b) complies with any agreement relating to the apportionment of supply contributions that has been reached by the Commonwealth and States.

(a) an adjustment of the SDL for each affected unit equal to the net effect of supply and efficiency contributions for the unit; and
(b) an adjustment of the SDL for the Basin water resources equal to the net effect of the adjustments for all the affected units.

(A) the notified measures, the additional supply measures, the additional efficiency measures and the additional HEW entitlements as determined for subsection (2); and
(b) calculate, for each affected unit, the difference between the 2017 SDLs as they would be if adjusted by the overall adjustments, and the current SDLs (the difference for the unit); and
(ii) an adjustment of the SDL for the Basin water resources equal to the net effect of the adjustments for all the affected units.

(b) the varying HEW contribution, in the form of a formula as a function of time, either varying continuously or changing at specified times from 31 December 2026 onward.

(a) for efficiency measures—environmental outcomes are increased while maintaining or improving social and economic outcomes; and
(b) for supply measures—equivalent environmental outcomes are achieved with a lower volume of held environmental water than would otherwise be required; and

(c) where constraints on the capacity to deliver environmental water are removed or eased—available environmental water can be used to maximum effect; and
(d) enhanced economic, social and environmental outcomes compared with the benchmark environmental outcomes and benchmark conditions of development can be achieved for the Murray‑Darling Basin, including through more efficient water use, improved river operations, improved outcomes for the River Murray floodplain, River Murray river water quality, estuarine health, Murray Mouth opening, higher average lake levels and increased in‑stream flows and variability; and
(e) the easing or removal of constraints and the addition of 450 GL per year of environmental water above the 2750 GL benchmark conditions of development, under the Commonwealth’s program, allow the enhanced environmental outcomes as set out in Schedule 5 to be pursued as compared to the benchmark environmental outcomes.

(a) for efficiency measures—environmental outcomes are increased while maintaining or improving social and economic outcomes; and
(b) for supply measures—equivalent environmental outcomes are achieved with a lower volume of held environmental water than would otherwise be required; and

(c) where constraints on the capacity to deliver environmental water are removed or eased—available environmental water can be used to maximum effect; and
(d) enhanced economic, social and environmental outcomes compared with the benchmark environmental outcomes and benchmark conditions of development can be achieved for the Murray‑Darling Basin, including through more efficient water use, improved river operations, improved outcomes for the River Murray floodplain, River Murray river water quality, estuarine health, Murray Mouth opening, higher average lake levels and increased in‑stream flows and variability; and
(e) the easing or removal of constraints and the addition of 450 GL per year of environmental water above the 2750 GL benchmark conditions of development, under the Commonwealth’s program, allow the enhanced environmental outcomes as set out in Schedule 5 to be pursued as compared to the benchmark environmental outcomes.

(a) for each affected unit, determine the amounts of proposed adjustments resulting from the notified measures in accordance with Division 4; and
(ii) an adjustment of the SDL for the Basin water resources equal to the net effect of the adjustments for all the affected units.

(c) for each kind of entitlement for a surface water SDL resource unit—the long‑term average quantity of water, in GL per year, that is available under the entitlements of that kind from time to time.

(i) was made before 1 July 2016, for the purposes of section 7.23 as it stood before the repeal of that section by the Basin Plan Amendment Instrument 2017 (No. 1), and has not been withdrawn or replaced by a request referred to in subparagraph (ii); or
(ii) was made between 1 July 2016 and 30 June 2017, and expressed to be made in anticipation of the insertion of this section by the Basin Plan Amendment Instrument 2017 (No. 1); and
(ii) no SDL resource unit has an SDL that is larger than would result from replacing its shared reduction amount with zero.

(d) there are no detrimental impacts on reliability of supply of water to the holders of water access rights that are not offset or negated.

(b) if the Authority, having consulted the Basin Officials Committee, decides that another method is preferable—that method.

(a) The supply contributions to the proposed adjustments achieve equivalent environmental outcomes compared with the benchmark environmental outcomes.

(b) The efficiency contributions to the proposed adjustments achieve neutral or improved socio‑economic outcomes compared with the outcomes under benchmark conditions of development as evidenced by:
(i) the participation of consumptive water users in projects that recover water through works to improve irrigation water use efficiency on their farms; or
(ia) the participation of consumptive water users in projects that recover water through works to improve water use efficiency off‑farm; or
(ii) alternative arrangements proposed by a Basin State, assessed by that State as achieving water recovery with neutral or improved socio‑economic outcomes.

(c) Any processes approved by the Murray‑Darling Basin Ministerial Council for developing initiatives for satisfying these criteria, including opportunities for public consultation, have been observed.

(b) complies with any agreement relating to the apportionment of supply contributions that has been reached by the Commonwealth and States.

(a) an adjustment of the SDL for each affected unit equal to the net effect of supply and efficiency contributions for the unit; and
(b) an adjustment of the SDL for the Basin water resources equal to the net effect of the adjustments for all the affected units.

(A) the notified measures, the additional supply measures, the additional efficiency measures and the additional HEW entitlements as determined for subsection (2); and
(b) calculate, for each affected unit, the difference between the 2017 SDLs as they would be if adjusted by the overall adjustments, and the current SDLs (the difference for the unit); and
(ii) an adjustment of the SDL for the Basin water resources equal to the net effect of the adjustments for all the affected units.

(b) the varying HEW contribution, in the form of a formula as a function of time, either varying continuously or changing at specified times from 31 December 2026 onward.

(a) for each affected unit, determine the amounts of proposed adjustments resulting from the notified measures in accordance with Division 4; and
(ii) an adjustment of the SDL for the Basin water resources equal to the net effect of the adjustments for all the affected units.

(a) for efficiency measures—environmental outcomes are increased while maintaining or improving social and economic outcomes; and
(b) for supply measures—equivalent environmental outcomes are achieved with a lower volume of held environmental water than would otherwise be required; and

(c) where constraints on the capacity to deliver environmental water are removed or eased—available environmental water can be used to maximum effect; and
(d) enhanced economic, social and environmental outcomes compared with the benchmark environmental outcomes and benchmark conditions of development can be achieved for the Murray‑Darling Basin, including through more efficient water use, improved river operations, improved outcomes for the River Murray floodplain, River Murray river water quality, estuarine health, Murray Mouth opening, higher average lake levels and increased in‑stream flows and variability; and
(e) the easing or removal of constraints and the addition of 450 GL per year of environmental water above the 2750 GL benchmark conditions of development, under the Commonwealth’s program, allow the enhanced environmental outcomes as set out in Schedule 5 to be pursued as compared to the benchmark environmental outcomes.

(a) for each affected unit, determine the amounts of proposed adjustments resulting from the notified measures in accordance with Division 4; and
(ii) an adjustment of the SDL for the Basin water resources equal to the net effect of the adjustments for all the affected units.

(c) for each kind of entitlement for a surface water SDL resource unit—the long‑term average quantity of water, in GL per year, that is available under the entitlements of that kind from time to time.

(i) was made before 1 July 2016, for the purposes of section 7.23 as it stood before the repeal of that section by the Basin Plan Amendment Instrument 2017 (No. 1), and has not been withdrawn or replaced by a request referred to in subparagraph (ii); or
(ii) was made between 1 July 2016 and 30 June 2017, and expressed to be made in anticipation of the insertion of this section by the Basin Plan Amendment Instrument 2017 (No. 1); and
(ii) no SDL resource unit has an SDL that is larger than would result from replacing its shared reduction amount with zero.

(d) there are no detrimental impacts on reliability of supply of water to the holders of water access rights that are not offset or negated.

(b) if the Authority, having consulted the Basin Officials Committee, decides that another method is preferable—that method.

(a) The supply contributions to the proposed adjustments achieve equivalent environmental outcomes compared with the benchmark environmental outcomes.

(b) The efficiency contributions to the proposed adjustments achieve neutral or improved socio‑economic outcomes compared with the outcomes under benchmark conditions of development as evidenced by:
(i) the participation of consumptive water users in projects that recover water through works to improve irrigation water use efficiency on their farms; or
(ia) the participation of consumptive water users in projects that recover water through works to improve water use efficiency off‑farm; or
(ii) alternative arrangements proposed by a Basin State, assessed by that State as achieving water recovery with neutral or improved socio‑economic outcomes.

(c) Any processes approved by the Murray‑Darling Basin Ministerial Council for developing initiatives for satisfying these criteria, including opportunities for public consultation, have been observed.

(b) complies with any agreement relating to the apportionment of supply contributions that has been reached by the Commonwealth and States.

(a) an adjustment of the SDL for each affected unit equal to the net effect of supply and efficiency contributions for the unit; and
(b) an adjustment of the SDL for the Basin water resources equal to the net effect of the adjustments for all the affected units.

(A) the notified measures, the additional supply measures, the additional efficiency measures and the additional HEW entitlements as determined for subsection (2); and
(b) calculate, for each affected unit, the difference between the 2017 SDLs as they would be if adjusted by the overall adjustments, and the current SDLs (the difference for the unit); and
(ii) an adjustment of the SDL for the Basin water resources equal to the net effect of the adjustments for all the affected units.

(b) the varying HEW contribution, in the form of a formula as a function of time, either varying continuously or changing at specified times from 31 December 2026 onward.

(a) for efficiency measures—environmental outcomes are increased while maintaining or improving social and economic outcomes; and
(b) for supply measures—equivalent environmental outcomes are achieved with a lower volume of held environmental water than would otherwise be required; and

(c) where constraints on the capacity to deliver environmental water are removed or eased—available environmental water can be used to maximum effect; and
(d) enhanced economic, social and environmental outcomes compared with the benchmark environmental outcomes and benchmark conditions of development can be achieved for the Murray‑Darling Basin, including through more efficient water use, improved river operations, improved outcomes for the River Murray floodplain, River Murray river water quality, estuarine health, Murray Mouth opening, higher average lake levels and increased in‑stream flows and variability; and
(e) the easing or removal of constraints and the addition of 450 GL per year of environmental water above the 2750 GL benchmark conditions of development, under the Commonwealth’s program, allow the enhanced environmental outcomes as set out in Schedule 5 to be pursued as compared to the benchmark environmental outcomes.

(a) for each affected unit, determine the amounts of proposed adjustments resulting from the notified measures in accordance with Division 4; and
(ii) an adjustment of the SDL for the Basin water resources equal to the net effect of the adjustments for all the affected units.

(c) for each kind of entitlement for a surface water SDL resource unit—the long‑term average quantity of water, in GL per year, that is available under the entitlements of that kind from time to time.

(i) was made before 1 July 2016, for the purposes of section 7.23 as it stood before the repeal of that section by the Basin Plan Amendment Instrument 2017 (No. 1), and has not been withdrawn or replaced by a request referred to in subparagraph (ii); or
(ii) was made between 1 July 2016 and 30 June 2017, and expressed to be made in anticipation of the insertion of this section by the Basin Plan Amendment Instrument 2017 (No. 1); and
(ii) no SDL resource unit has an SDL that is larger than would result from replacing its shared reduction amount with zero.

(d) there are no detrimental impacts on reliability of supply of water to the holders of water access rights that are not offset or negated.

(b) if the Authority, having consulted the Basin Officials Committee, decides that another method is preferable—that method.

(a) The supply contributions to the proposed adjustments achieve equivalent environmental outcomes compared with the benchmark environmental outcomes.

(b) The efficiency contributions to the proposed adjustments achieve neutral or improved socio‑economic outcomes compared with the outcomes under benchmark conditions of development as evidenced by:
(i) the participation of consumptive water users in projects that recover water through works to improve irrigation water use efficiency on their farms; or
(ia) the participation of consumptive water users in projects that recover water through works to improve water use efficiency off‑farm; or
(ii) alternative arrangements proposed by a Basin State, assessed by that State as achieving water recovery with neutral or improved socio‑economic outcomes.

(c) Any processes approved by the Murray‑Darling Basin Ministerial Council for developing initiatives for satisfying these criteria, including opportunities for public consultation, have been observed.

(b) complies with any agreement relating to the apportionment of supply contributions that has been reached by the Commonwealth and States.

(a) an adjustment of the SDL for each affected unit equal to the net effect of supply and efficiency contributions for the unit; and
(b) an adjustment of the SDL for the Basin water resources equal to the net effect of the adjustments for all the affected units.

(A) the notified measures, the additional supply measures, the additional efficiency measures and the additional HEW entitlements as determined for subsection (2); and
(b) calculate, for each affected unit, the difference between the 2017 SDLs as they would be if adjusted by the overall adjustments, and the current SDLs (the difference for the unit); and
(ii) an adjustment of the SDL for the Basin water resources equal to the net effect of the adjustments for all the affected units.

(b) the varying HEW contribution, in the form of a formula as a function of time, either varying continuously or changing at specified times from 31 December 2026 onward.

(c) for each kind of entitlement for a surface water SDL resource unit—the long‑term average quantity of water, in GL per year, that is available under the entitlements of that kind from time to time.

(a) for efficiency measures—environmental outcomes are increased while maintaining or improving social and economic outcomes; and
(b) for supply measures—equivalent environmental outcomes are achieved with a lower volume of held environmental water than would otherwise be required; and

(c) where constraints on the capacity to deliver environmental water are removed or eased—available environmental water can be used to maximum effect; and
(d) enhanced economic, social and environmental outcomes compared with the benchmark environmental outcomes and benchmark conditions of development can be achieved for the Murray‑Darling Basin, including through more efficient water use, improved river operations, improved outcomes for the River Murray floodplain, River Murray river water quality, estuarine health, Murray Mouth opening, higher average lake levels and increased in‑stream flows and variability; and
(e) the easing or removal of constraints and the addition of 450 GL per year of environmental water above the 2750 GL benchmark conditions of development, under the Commonwealth’s program, allow the enhanced environmental outcomes as set out in Schedule 5 to be pursued as compared to the benchmark environmental outcomes.

(a) for each affected unit, determine the amounts of proposed adjustments resulting from the notified measures in accordance with Division 4; and
(ii) an adjustment of the SDL for the Basin water resources equal to the net effect of the adjustments for all the affected units.

(c) for each kind of entitlement for a surface water SDL resource unit—the long‑term average quantity of water, in GL per year, that is available under the entitlements of that kind from time to time.

(i) was made before 1 July 2016, for the purposes of section 7.23 as it stood before the repeal of that section by the Basin Plan Amendment Instrument 2017 (No. 1), and has not been withdrawn or replaced by a request referred to in subparagraph (ii); or
(ii) was made between 1 July 2016 and 30 June 2017, and expressed to be made in anticipation of the insertion of this section by the Basin Plan Amendment Instrument 2017 (No. 1); and
(ii) no SDL resource unit has an SDL that is larger than would result from replacing its shared reduction amount with zero.

(d) there are no detrimental impacts on reliability of supply of water to the holders of water access rights that are not offset or negated.

(b) if the Authority, having consulted the Basin Officials Committee, decides that another method is preferable—that method.

(a) The supply contributions to the proposed adjustments achieve equivalent environmental outcomes compared with the benchmark environmental outcomes.

(b) The efficiency contributions to the proposed adjustments achieve neutral or improved socio‑economic outcomes compared with the outcomes under benchmark conditions of development as evidenced by:
(i) the participation of consumptive water users in projects that recover water through works to improve irrigation water use efficiency on their farms; or
(ia) the participation of consumptive water users in projects that recover water through works to improve water use efficiency off‑farm; or
(ii) alternative arrangements proposed by a Basin State, assessed by that State as achieving water recovery with neutral or improved socio‑economic outcomes.

(c) Any processes approved by the Murray‑Darling Basin Ministerial Council for developing initiatives for satisfying these criteria, including opportunities for public consultation, have been observed.

(b) complies with any agreement relating to the apportionment of supply contributions that has been reached by the Commonwealth and States.

(a) an adjustment of the SDL for each affected unit equal to the net effect of supply and efficiency contributions for the unit; and
(b) an adjustment of the SDL for the Basin water resources equal to the net effect of the adjustments for all the affected units.

(A) the notified measures, the additional supply measures, the additional efficiency measures and the additional HEW entitlements as determined for subsection (2); and
(b) calculate, for each affected unit, the difference between the 2017 SDLs as they would be if adjusted by the overall adjustments, and the current SDLs (the difference for the unit); and
(ii) an adjustment of the SDL for the Basin water resources equal to the net effect of the adjustments for all the affected units.

(b) the varying HEW contribution, in the form of a formula as a function of time, either varying continuously or changing at specified times from 31 December 2026 onward.

(i) was made before 1 July 2016, for the purposes of section 7.23 as it stood before the repeal of that section by the Basin Plan Amendment Instrument 2017 (No. 1), and has not been withdrawn or replaced by a request referred to in subparagraph (ii); or
(ii) was made between 1 July 2016 and 30 June 2017, and expressed to be made in anticipation of the insertion of this section by the Basin Plan Amendment Instrument 2017 (No. 1); and
(ii) no SDL resource unit has an SDL that is larger than would result from replacing its shared reduction amount with zero.

(d) there are no detrimental impacts on reliability of supply of water to the holders of water access rights that are not offset or negated.

(b) if the Authority, having consulted the Basin Officials Committee, decides that another method is preferable—that method.

(a) for efficiency measures—environmental outcomes are increased while maintaining or improving social and economic outcomes; and
(b) for supply measures—equivalent environmental outcomes are achieved with a lower volume of held environmental water than would otherwise be required; and

(c) where constraints on the capacity to deliver environmental water are removed or eased—available environmental water can be used to maximum effect; and
(d) enhanced economic, social and environmental outcomes compared with the benchmark environmental outcomes and benchmark conditions of development can be achieved for the Murray‑Darling Basin, including through more efficient water use, improved river operations, improved outcomes for the River Murray floodplain, River Murray river water quality, estuarine health, Murray Mouth opening, higher average lake levels and increased in‑stream flows and variability; and
(e) the easing or removal of constraints and the addition of 450 GL per year of environmental water above the 2750 GL benchmark conditions of development, under the Commonwealth’s program, allow the enhanced environmental outcomes as set out in Schedule 5 to be pursued as compared to the benchmark environmental outcomes.

(a) for each affected unit, determine the amounts of proposed adjustments resulting from the notified measures in accordance with Division 4; and
(ii) an adjustment of the SDL for the Basin water resources equal to the net effect of the adjustments for all the affected units.

(c) for each kind of entitlement for a surface water SDL resource unit—the long‑term average quantity of water, in GL per year, that is available under the entitlements of that kind from time to time.

(i) was made before 1 July 2016, for the purposes of section 7.23 as it stood before the repeal of that section by the Basin Plan Amendment Instrument 2017 (No. 1), and has not been withdrawn or replaced by a request referred to in subparagraph (ii); or
(ii) was made between 1 July 2016 and 30 June 2017, and expressed to be made in anticipation of the insertion of this section by the Basin Plan Amendment Instrument 2017 (No. 1); and
(ii) no SDL resource unit has an SDL that is larger than would result from replacing its shared reduction amount with zero.

(d) there are no detrimental impacts on reliability of supply of water to the holders of water access rights that are not offset or negated.

(b) if the Authority, having consulted the Basin Officials Committee, decides that another method is preferable—that method.

(a) The supply contributions to the proposed adjustments achieve equivalent environmental outcomes compared with the benchmark environmental outcomes.

(b) The efficiency contributions to the proposed adjustments achieve neutral or improved socio‑economic outcomes compared with the outcomes under benchmark conditions of development as evidenced by:
(i) the participation of consumptive water users in projects that recover water through works to improve irrigation water use efficiency on their farms; or
(ia) the participation of consumptive water users in projects that recover water through works to improve water use efficiency off‑farm; or
(ii) alternative arrangements proposed by a Basin State, assessed by that State as achieving water recovery with neutral or improved socio‑economic outcomes.

(c) Any processes approved by the Murray‑Darling Basin Ministerial Council for developing initiatives for satisfying these criteria, including opportunities for public consultation, have been observed.

(b) complies with any agreement relating to the apportionment of supply contributions that has been reached by the Commonwealth and States.

(a) an adjustment of the SDL for each affected unit equal to the net effect of supply and efficiency contributions for the unit; and
(b) an adjustment of the SDL for the Basin water resources equal to the net effect of the adjustments for all the affected units.

(A) the notified measures, the additional supply measures, the additional efficiency measures and the additional HEW entitlements as determined for subsection (2); and
(b) calculate, for each affected unit, the difference between the 2017 SDLs as they would be if adjusted by the overall adjustments, and the current SDLs (the difference for the unit); and
(ii) an adjustment of the SDL for the Basin water resources equal to the net effect of the adjustments for all the affected units.

(b) the varying HEW contribution, in the form of a formula as a function of time, either varying continuously or changing at specified times from 31 December 2026 onward.

(a) The supply contributions to the proposed adjustments achieve equivalent environmental outcomes compared with the benchmark environmental outcomes.

(b) The efficiency contributions to the proposed adjustments achieve neutral or improved socio‑economic outcomes compared with the outcomes under benchmark conditions of development as evidenced by:
(i) the participation of consumptive water users in projects that recover water through works to improve irrigation water use efficiency on their farms; or
(ia) the participation of consumptive water users in projects that recover water through works to improve water use efficiency off‑farm; or
(ii) alternative arrangements proposed by a Basin State, assessed by that State as achieving water recovery with neutral or improved socio‑economic outcomes.

(c) Any processes approved by the Murray‑Darling Basin Ministerial Council for developing initiatives for satisfying these criteria, including opportunities for public consultation, have been observed.

(b) complies with any agreement relating to the apportionment of supply contributions that has been reached by the Commonwealth and States.

(a) an adjustment of the SDL for each affected unit equal to the net effect of supply and efficiency contributions for the unit; and
(b) an adjustment of the SDL for the Basin water resources equal to the net effect of the adjustments for all the affected units.

(A) the notified measures, the additional supply measures, the additional efficiency measures and the additional HEW entitlements as determined for subsection (2); and
(b) calculate, for each affected unit, the difference between the 2017 SDLs as they would be if adjusted by the overall adjustments, and the current SDLs (the difference for the unit); and
(ii) an adjustment of the SDL for the Basin water resources equal to the net effect of the adjustments for all the affected units.

(b) the varying HEW contribution, in the form of a formula as a function of time, either varying continuously or changing at specified times from 31 December 2026 onward.

(a) recharge rates; or
(b) connectivity with surface water; or
(c) usage patterns; or
(d) Basin State policy and planning settings.

(a) may be increased by the amount of the proposed adjustment and still represent an environmentally sustainable level of take; or
(b) should be decreased by the amount of the proposed adjustment to represent an environmentally sustainable level of take.

(a) recharge rates; or
(b) connectivity with surface water; or
(c) usage patterns; or
(d) Basin State policy and planning settings.

(a) may be increased by the amount of the proposed adjustment and still represent an environmentally sustainable level of take; or
(b) should be decreased by the amount of the proposed adjustment to represent an environmentally sustainable level of take.

(a) audit calculations made by the Authority for the purposes of Parts 2 and 4; or
(b) appoint or establish a person or body that is independent of the Authority to audit calculations made by the Authority for the purposes of Parts 2 and 4.

(a) produce a report setting out the findings of the audit; and
(b) before the report is finalised, provide the Authority, the Inspector‑General (unless the Inspector‑General is conducting the audit), the Commonwealth and each Basin State with an opportunity to comment on the proposed findings.

(a) audit calculations made by the Authority for the purposes of Parts 2 and 4; or
(b) appoint or establish a person or body that is independent of the Authority to audit calculations made by the Authority for the purposes of Parts 2 and 4.

(a) produce a report setting out the findings of the audit; and
(b) before the report is finalised, provide the Authority, the Inspector‑General (unless the Inspector‑General is conducting the audit), the Commonwealth and each Basin State with an opportunity to comment on the proposed findings.

Part 5Management objectives and outcomes to be achieved by Basin Plan

Get a plain-English read of Part 5

5.01 Simplified outline

5.02 Objectives and outcome for Basin Plan as a whole

5.03 Objectives and outcome in relation to environmental outcomes

5.04 Objective and outcome in relation to water quality and salinity

5.05 Objective and outcomes in relation to long‑term average sustainable diversion limits

5.06 Objective and outcome for operation of the SDL adjustment mechanism

5.07 Objectives and outcome in relation to trading in the water market

6.01 Simplified outline

6.01 Simplified outline

6.01 Simplified outline

Part 2 Long‑term average sustainable diversion limits

Division 1 Identification of SDL resource units

6.02 Identification of surface water SDL resource units

6.03 Identification of groundwater SDL resource units

Division 2 Long‑term average sustainable diversion limits

6.04 Long‑term average sustainable diversion limits

6.05 SDL resource unit shared reduction amount

Default distribution of shared reduction Default distribution of shared reduction amounts

Redistribution of shared reduction amoun Redistribution of shared reduction amounts at request of Basin State

Variations due to changes in water recov Variations due to changes in water recovery

Effect of publishing shared reduction am Effect of publishing shared reduction amounts

6.05A SDL adjustment amount 6.05A SDL adjustment amount

6.06 Reviews of the Basin Plan

Reviews generally Reviews generally

Part 3 Temporary diversion provision

Part 3—Temporary diversion provision

6.07 Temporary diversion provision

6.07 Temporary diversion provision

6.07 Temporary diversion provision

Part 4 Method for determining compliance with long‑term annual diversion limit

6.08 Register of take

6.08A Content of action plan 6.08A Content of action plan

6.08B Reporting on action plan under the 6.08B Reporting on action plan under the Basin Plan

6.08C Content of report 6.08C Content of report

Division 1A One‑off adjustment to cumulative balances for surface water SDL resource units

6.08D Determining one‑off adjustment to 6.08D Determining one‑off adjustment to cumulative balances from 1 July 2019

6.08E Step 1—Calculation of annual permi 6.08E Step 1—Calculation of annual permitted take and annual actual take for one‑off adjustment

6.08F Step 2—Calculate and record the on 6.08F Step 2—Calculate and record the one‑off adjustment

6.08G How to calculate the annual permit 6.08G How to calculate the annual permitted take and the annual actual take

Division 2 Method for determining compliance—surface water

6.09 Method for determining compliance with long‑term annual diversion limit—surface water

6.10 Step 1—Calculation of annual permitted take and annual actual take

6.11 Step 2—Record difference between annual actual take and annual permitted take

6.12 Step 3—Determine whether there is non‑compliance

Division 3 Method for determining compliance—groundwater

6.12A Method for determining compliance 6.12A Method for determining compliance with long‑term annual diversion limit—groundwater

6.12B Step 1—Calculation of annual permi 6.12B Step 1—Calculation of annual permitted take and annual actual take

6.12C Step 2—Determine whether there is 6.12C Step 2—Determine whether there is non‑compliance

Part 5 Allocation of risks in relation to reductions in water availability

Part 5—Allocation of risks in relation to reductions in water availability

6.13 Risks arising from reduction in diversion limits

6.14 Risks arising from other changes to the Basin Plan

6.13 Risks arising from reduction in diversion limits

6.13 Risks arising from reduction in diversion limits

6.14 Risks arising from other changes to the Basin Plan

6.14 Risks arising from other changes to the Basin Plan

7.01 Simplified outline

7.02 Interpretation

7.03 Meaning of supply measure

7.04 Meaning of efficiency measure

7.05 Consultation with Basin Officials Committee

7.06 Public consultation

7.07 Combined proposals

7.08 Constraints management strategy

7.08A Constraints relaxation implementation roadmap

7.08B Minister may specify additional HEW entitlements

7.01 Simplified outline

7.01 Simplified outline

7.02 Interpretation

7.02 Interpretation

7.03 Meaning of supply measure

7.03 Meaning of supply measure

7.04 Meaning of efficiency measure

7.04 Meaning of efficiency measure

7.05 Consultation with Basin Officials Committee

7.05 Consultation with Basin Officials Committee

7.06 Public consultation

7.06 Public consultation