Div 4AAnnual progress reports relating to water recovery targets and to the Snowy Scheme

Division 4A—Annual progress reports relating to water recovery targets and to the Snowy Scheme

85AB  Secretary to prepare annual reports

 (1) The Secretary must prepare an annual report on the activities undertaken for the purpose of making progress towards the following:

 (a) increasing the volume of the Basin water resources that is available for environmental use by 450 gigalitres;

 (b) the Commonwealth’s water recovery target in relation to SDL resource units (as defined in the Basin Plan);

 (c) projects that relate to adjustments of long‑term average sustainable diversion limits under section 23A;

 (d) any other matter specified by the Minister in writing.

 (1A) If, during a financial year, the Minister approved one or more programs (however described) in relation to which the Minister was required to consider the social and economic impact under section 86ADB, the report under subsection (1) for that financial year must include:

 (a) a description of the program or programs concerned; and

 (b) the matters that the Minister took into account in undertaking that consideration.

Note: The kinds of matters taken into account by the Minister under paragraph (b) could include any social and economic impacts raised in the course of consultation, and any social and economic impacts of transitional support the Government has provided or is providing.

 (2) The Secretary must prepare a report under subsection (1) in relation to:

 (b) each subsequent financial year up to and including the financial year beginning on 1 July 2027.

 (3) The Secretary must provide each report under subsection (1) in relation to a financial year to the Minister by 30 October in the following financial year.

 (4) The Minister must cause a copy of each report under subsection (1) to be tabled in each House of the Parliament within 15 sitting days of that House after the Minister receives the report.

85ABA  Secretary to prepare annual reports about water releases from the Snowy Scheme

 (1)  The Secretary must prepare an annual report on the release of water for environmental use from the Snowy Scheme.

 (2) A report under subsection (1) must include the details mentioned in subsection (3), in relation to the release of water for environmental use during each period of 12 months beginning on 1 May (a water year), from the following:

 (a)  the Snowy River below Jindabyne Dam;

 (b) the Snowy River below Guthega Dam via Falls Creek Aqueduct;

 (c) the Snowy River below Island Bend Dam via Tolbar Creek Aqueduct and Diggers Creek Aqueduct;