The MDA has written to, and engaged with, the Federal Minister for the Environment and Water Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, as well as the NSW Minister for Lands and Water Hon Kevin Anderson MP, and is awaiting further correspondence.

The MDA has written to the Basin State Government Water Ministers, as well as their Shadow Minister counterparts on 13/10/22.

The MDA has received correspondence from the QLD Shadow Water Minister, Mrs Deb Frecklington MP and is scheduled to brief the Minister on the Floodplain Harvesting Volume Cap, and to discuss the MDA's stance on the Volume Cap.

• ​TAcknowledged that while farmers and producers often have state of the art technology, and manage their water efficiently, they often were up against organisations that exclusively focussed on resource trading, giving the resource traders an advantage over farmers/producers.

• Noted the importance of being passionate about water, and indicated their appreciation that the MDA had reached out to their side of politics after many years. 

• Indicated that they would like to be kept up to date on progress and engagement opportunities. 

The MDA has received correspondence from the NSW Water Minister, Hon Kevin Anderson MP noting the following:

• That Floodplain harvesting was currently bring brought into the licensing framework in the Northern inland Murray-Darling Basin, following completion in the NSW Border River and Gwydir valleys.

• That Floodplain harvesting had been included as part of extraction limits specified in water sharing plans in the Basin.

• That as part of licensing Floodplain Harvesting, rules specific to these licenses will be included in the relevant water sharing plans through an amended order.

The MDA has received correspondence from the SA Minister for Climate, Environment and Water, Hon Susan Close MP noting the following:

• That the South Australian Government strongly supports regulating floodplain harvesting

• Acknowledged the importance of using the Basin's water resources within the Basin Plan's sustainable diversion limits and that appropriate compliance action can be undertaken where required.

The MDA has written to the NSW Water Minister and the NSW Shadow Water Minister on 13/10/22.

The MDA has received Correspondence from Hon Kevin Anderson MP:

• The Minister indicated that the NSW Government has implemented unprecedented statutory protections to prohibit floodplain harvesting take when there is less than 195GL stored in Menindee Lakes, until local rivers are running close to their channel capacity.

• The Minister noted that the Draft Western Regional Water Strategy had also proposed restricting lower priority licences when the total storage of Menindee Lakes was below 195GL.

• The Minister acknowledged that they were aware that some stakeholders believed that the Menindee Lakes trigger should be higher than the 195GL trigger proposed in the draft strategy.

• The Minister indicated that their department was considering this feedback and was undertaking additional hydrological modelling on trigger proposals to be presented in the Final strategy later this year (2022).

The MDA has written to the following MDBA executive team:

• Chief Executive Officer

• Executive Director River Management

• Executive Director Basin Plan

• A/g Executive Director Basin Strategy and Knowledge

The MDA is awaiting official correspondence from the MDBA

The MDA has received the MDBA CEO Stakeholder letter (14/11/22) which noted ongoing efforts for work transparency, maintaining a regional footprint, and the importance of understanding the impacts, and effects, of Climate Change.

The MDA has written to relevant Education and Indigenous Affairs Ministers in Federal and Basin State Governments.

The MDA has received correspondence from Executive Director Zack Haddock noting the following:

• That the Victorian Government's strategy for improving educational access, inclusion and outcomes for Aboriginal learners was set out in Marrung Aboriginal Education Plan 2016-2026 (Marrung).

• That as part of Marrung, is a commitment to working in partnership with Aboriginal People, communities, and organisations at every level.

• That the Victorian Aboriginal Education Association Incorporated (VAEAI) was the Department's principal partner in Aboriginal education.

• That the latest version of the Australian Curriculum was approved by Australian Education Ministers in April 2022, and included revisions to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures cross-curriculum priority.

• That teachers must follow the Koorie Cross-Curricular Protocols when teaching about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture.

The MDA has received correspondence from Deputy Director-General, Phillip Brookes noting the following:

• ​That Queensland Schools implement the Prep - 10 Australian Curriculum of eight learning areas (with many opportunities for teaching about past and present experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, and dual-naming of locations with Queensland Council districts.

• That the incorporation of the Cross Curriculum Priority: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures across the difference learning areas was another way that teachers can respect and recognise the knowledge systems of the world's oldest continuous living cultures.

• That in the History learning areas, schools explicitly teach Indigenous History and are encouraged to incorporate the local perspective, providing opportunity to cover the history and present experiences of Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples, their identities and the continuing value of their cultures.

• Noted part of the QLD Government's commitment as placing Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples at the forefront of their decision making.

• Indicated that creating supportive environments where stakeholders feel empowered to act, allows the agency to move collectively in the same direction, and that the QLD Government works with each community to understand their unique knowledge and interests, whilst following the local cultural protocols of each of those communities.

• Noted that the QLD Government engages with community leaders to provide their permissions to share and better protect their Indigenous cultural intellectual property.

• Noted that QLD Schools manage naming conventions within the schools, including the use of First Nations languages to name new buildings or sports houses and signage using language of the Traditional Custodians. Indicated that replacement of existing signage was at the discretion of the school and was funded from within their budget.

• Shared some of the work tha the Department was doing to empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, staff, families and communities. Noted that the Department has worked with Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples to develop two important documents:

  • The Committment Statement, which pledges the QLD Government to develop a genuine understanding of our history and the lasting impact of colonialisation on Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples and priorities respectful partnerships.

  • The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Capability Action Plan, which commits the QLD Government to recognise First Nations histories and knowledge, and to provide cultural education for all departmental staff including teachers and principals.

The MDA has received correspondence from Assistant Secretary Shane Samuelson on behalf of the Minister for Education, Hon Jason Clare MP noting the following:

• ​That the Australian Government was committed to First Nations people and recognises the importance of enshrining a Voice to Parliament in the Constitution which will enable First Nations people to provide advice to the Parliament in policies and projects that impact their lives.

• That the Australian Curriculum, which sets high expectations and standards for what all students should know and be able to do, underwent a comprehensive review in 2021, and was endorsed by all state and territory governments in April 2022.

  • ​Noted that the revised Curriculum includes Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures as a cross curriculum priority, embedding aspects of First Nations history and culture across all learning areas of the curriculum.

• That the Government will provide $14.1million to place First Nations Educatiors in 60 primary schools to teach First Nations Languages and provide greater cultural understanding.

  • That the Australian Government is committed to developing this initiative in partnership with First Nations communities, noting that First Nations partners will be placed at the centre of the plan and part of the decision-making process at every step of the way.

  • That, as per the Government's election commitment, schools will be selected based on high enrolment of First Nations students and based on need.

The MDA has received correspondence from Hon Linda Burney MP noting the following:

• ​The prioritisation of First Nations policy and commitment to implementing the 2017 Uluru Statement from the Heart in full, including holding a referendum to enshrine a First Nations Voice in the Constitution and establishing the Makarrata Commission that will oversee a national process of truth telling and agreement making.

• That the Australian Curriculum provided the ability for educators to include Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture in their classrooms with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures Cross-Curriculum priority.

The MDA has received correspondence from Hon Blair Boyer MP noting the following:

• ​The SA signatory status to the National Agreement on Closing the Gap (NACTG) & was committed to a whole-of-government Implementation Plan, co-designed with the South Australian Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation Network (SAACCON).

• The Department of Education working closely with the South Australian Aboriginal Education and Training Consultative Council (SAAETCC) & local First Nations representative bodies/cultural authorities to increase educational achievement for all students & promote increased cultural understanding/reconciliation.

• That the Department of Education had embarked on a 10-year Aboriginal Education Strategy 2019-2029 to ensure that each Aboriginal young person is achieving their highest potential.

• The Department’s Aboriginal Workforce Plan commits the Department to building and growing the Aboriginal workforce within schools and the Department.

• That the SA Government had committed to offering 400 University scholarships over four years at $5,000.00 each to help with he cost of starting a teaching degree to several groups (incl. Aboriginal people), to study teaching.

• That the SA Government was implementing actions through their Culturally Responsive Framework and Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) to create schools and workplaces with culturally safe places to learn, work and thrive. (next iteration of the RAP currently in development, MDA’s proposals forwarded to the Working Group for consideration).

• The Minister asked the Department, as well as TAFE SA, to look at how Traditional names could be added for the dual naming of locations on signs with a high confidence that this can be implemented for future signs.

The MDA has received correspondence from Hon Kyam Maher MLC noting the following:

• ​That the Department for Education has produced the Aboriginal Education Strategy 2019-2029.  Identified one of the strategy’s five principles as Culture and Identity.

• That funding for the inclusion of Aboriginal names for locations was usually the responsibility of Local Government.

The MDA has written to the following MDBA executive team:

• Chief Executive Officer

• Executive Director River Management

• Executive Director Basin Plan

• A/g Executive Director Basin Strategy and Knowledge

The MDA has written to the following DCCEEW senior staff:

• Secretary

• Deputy Secretary (Environmental Approvals, Biodiversity, Conservation, Parks Australia)

• Deputy Secretary )First Nations Heritage, Wildlife and Planning, Environment Protection)

• Deputy Secretary (Biodiversity markets, Economics &Environmentall Science, CEO National Water Grid Authority & Water Infrastructure)

The MDA has received correspondence from Executive Director Tim Goodes noting the following:

• Noted that the MDBA & DCCEEW were committed to increasing transparency around Basin Plan implementation activities,

• Highlighted the current DCCEEW programs supporting the recovery of efficiency measures.

• indicated that the MDBA & DCCEEW regularly report on the progress of water recovery in the Murray-Darling Basin, with progress against ‘bridging the gap’ and the efficiency measures program was available on the DCCEEW website and the MDBA website.

• Noted that the MDBA was required to publish and maintain a register of measures that include the water made available under the efficiency measures programs for each Sustainable Diversion Limit resource area for the water accounting year.

• The MDA has received the MDBA CEO Stakeholder letter (14/11/22) which noted ongoing efforts for work transparency, maintaining a regional footprint, and the importance of understanding the impacts, and effects, of Climate Change.

The MDA has written to the Hon Tanya Plibersek MP and is awaiting further correspondence.

Correspondence received from the office of  Hon Tanya Plibersek MP:

• Noted that the Minister had not ruled in, or out, options that can help ensure robust plans are in place in NSW as quickly as possible. "This includes the step-in powers under the Water Act 2007."

The MDA has written to the Ministers in the VIC, SA, NSW, and QLD Governments.

Correspondence received from Hon Susan Close MP indicated that one of the Minister's Portfolio agencies, Green Industries SA (GISA) was leading the state's transition to a Circular Economy.

• The Minister noted that there is accessible funding on the GISA website.

• The Minister noted that the GISA Youtube page promotes the outcomes of the projects.

Correspondence received from Hon James Griffin BA MP indicated that the NSW Government had released their WaSM Strategy in June 2021, outlining their approach to a NSW Circular Economy Transition over the next 20 years.

• The Minister noted that the NSW Government had commissioned a study to identify opportunities for Carbon Abatement. Noted that the study would also help shape the $37m Carbon Recycling and Abatement Fund.

• The Minister noted that the NSW Government had identified 6 Special Activation Precincts in regional NSW, including in areas represented by the MDA.

• The Minister indicated that they had asked the NSW EPA, as lead agency for implementing the WaSM Strategy, to reach out to the MDA for opportunities to engage with the MDA.

Correspondence received from Deputy Director-General Karen Hussey

• That the QLD Government had established the Office of Circular Economy within the Department of Environment and Heritage Policy and Programs. Indicated that this was building on the QLD Waste management and Resource Recovery Strategy and was backed by the $1.1b Recycling and Jobs fund.

• That at present the focus for investment of the Recycling and Jobs fund with Local Governments in QLD was establishing resource recovery infrastructure across regional QLD, including organics processing facilities.

• That there would be additional opportunities to engage with the Department on projects and strategies to enhance the Circular Economy as new programs were rolled out.

• That a state-wide program for education and behaviour change had commenced and would focus initially on improving recycling outcomes for households.

The MDA has engaged with the NSW Minister for Lands and Water, Hon Kevin Anderson MP, and is awaiting further correspondence.

The MDA has engaged with the Federal Government Minister for the Environment and Water, Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, The Shadow Water Minister Senator Perin Davey, as well as State Government Water Ministers and Shadow Minister counterparts.

The MDA has received correspondence from SA Minister for Climate, Environment and Water, Hon Susan Close MP noting the following:

• ​A shared vision with the MDA for a healthy Basin,

• A committment to delivering the Murray-Darling Basin Plan and returning the entire Basin system to health for the benefit of all Australians,

• In order to make investment decisions for water management infrastructure it is critical that all levels of government rigorously assess proposals to ensure that the provide public benefit (benefits are many and span the quadruple bottom line - economic, environmental, social, and cultural).

• That the South Australian Government has mature Benefit Cost Assessments processes in place that are embedded in guidelines issued by the Department of Treasury and Finance, with the arrangements reviews periodically

• That the South Australian Government has no plans to remove the assessment requirements for infrastructure investments.

The MDA has received correspondence from QLD Minister for Water, Minister for Regional Development and Manufacturing Hon Glenn Butcher MP noting the following:

• ​'Queensland bulk water opportunities statement – Part A – Strategic framework’ (QBWOS), published in 2017, outlined the QLD Government’s framework for sustainable regional economic development through better use of existing bulk water infrastructure and effective investment in new infrastructure,

• That QBWOS included an objective ‘Consider projects that will provide regional economic benefits,’ meaning the QLD Government already has scope to consider projects that would provide regional economic benefits despite a preference for projects which provide a commercial return and a BCR greater than one,

• The Minister provided the following links to the Business Case development framework and Project Assessment Framework for further Information.

​The MDA has met with the QLD Shadow Water Minister Mrs Deborah Frecklington:

• The Shadow Minister indicated that the LNP had taken a policy regarding the Benefit Cost Ratio Requirements to the last election, and fully supported the MDA's advocacy on this.

• The Shadow Minister noted that achiving this Motion's goal would be very difficult, as the Benefit Cost Ratio was set in Federal Policy.

​The MDA has received correspondence from A/g Branch Head Lachlan Simpson noting the following:

• Acknowledged that Water Security was critical for strong communities, for responding to Climate Change, supporting Agriculture, and securing Australia's future.

• Noted that the Australian Government was committed to making responsible investment program to improve water access and security.

• Noted that the National Water Grid Fund was the Government's infrastructure investment program to improve water access and security.

• Indicated that there was no Benefit Cost Ration requirements for projects to be eligible for National Water Grid funding, tha the National Water Grid Investment Framework sets out their approach to infrastructure investment, with funding decisions informed by the overall economic, social, environmental costs and benefits of the project.

The MDA has engaged with the Basin State Government Water Ministers, as well as the DELWP Deputy Secretary Terry Garwood.

The MDA is awaiting further correspondence. 

The MDA has received correspondence from QLD Minister for Water, Minister for Regional Development and Manufacturing Hon Glenn Butcher MP noting the following:

• ​That the QLD Government remained committed to implementing the Murray-Darling Basin Plan 2012 (Basin Plan) on time and in full, including a commitment to continue to work with Traditional Owners across the QLD Murray-Darling Basin to understand cultural values and uses of water.

• The 2018 amendment to the Queensland Water Act 2000 recognising the importance of water resources to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, separate from social, economic & environmental outcomes.

• The three QLD Water Resource Plans in the Basin that the Australian Government has accredited.

• Noted on-country engagement with Traditional Owners provided important insights to support development of Water Resource Plans, & led to the development of the Report ‘Water Connections Aboriginal People’s Water Needs in the Queensland Murray-Darling Basin – A guide to the water plans in the Condamine and Balonne, Border Rivers and Moonie catchments.’

• QLD Government committed to build on the Report's foundations & continue to engage with Traditional Owners across the State to understand flow requirements to support cultural values, uses & provide First Nations pleoples' ownership of water.

• That the Department of Regional Development, Manufacturing and Water (The Department) was committed to looking at options where it can further support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples' access to water in QLD. (the Department had already progressed a special reserve of water in Cape York, eligible persons could claim a share of this water by requesting a water licence).

​The MDA has received correspondence from SA Minister for Climate, Environment and Water, Hon Susan Close MP noting the following:

• Indicated that the SA Government recognised the role that freshwater systems have to the cultures and identity of Aboriginal people, as well as the role that Aboriginal people occupy as owners, custodians, and guardians of water.

• Noted that teh South Australian River Murray and South Australian Murray Region Water Resource Plans contain further information about objectives and outcomes for the management of water on Country.

• Indicated that at a whole of Basin level, Ministers agreed at the October 2022 Murray-Darling Basin Ministerial Council on the need to improve outcomes for Aboriginal people.

• Noted that basin officials are continuing work that is aimed at addressing the barriers to the delivery of water entitlements for First Nations people.

The MDA has written to the Federal and Basin State Government Water Ministers

The MDA is awaiting official correspondence from the Relevant Ministers.

he MDA has received correspondence from QLD Minister for Water, Minister for Regional Development and Manufacturing Hon Glenn Butcher MP noting the following:

• Acknowledged that Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) was a well-established technology that is used as a water management solution across QLD, with the oldest and largest MAR scheme in Australia managed by the Lower Burdekin Water Board in the Burdekin River Delta.

• That Sunwater uses MAR in several of its water supply schemes incl. the Callide Valley and Lockyer Valley.

• That Origin Energy also operated a large MAR scheme in the Surat Basin near Roma.

• That while the significant potential for using MAR to manage water supplies in parts of WLD’ Murray-Darling Basin was well understood, there are no active investigations into further recharge schemes being undertaken by the Department of Regional Development, Manufacturing and Water.

• That the QLD Government supports the use of MAR technology where it is demonstrated to be an effective solution to water management or water supply issues.

​​The MDA has received correspondence from SA Minister for Climate, Environment and Water, Hon Susan Close MP noting the following:

• The SA Government recognises the benefits of Manager Aquifer Recharge (MAR) as part of contemporary water management, with SA being internationally recognised for its use of stormwater for non-potable purposes through MAR.

• Indicated that the South Australian Water Security Statement (2022), as well as the Water Allocation Plans for the River Murray Prescribed Watercourse and the Eastern Mount Lofty Ranges, contain further information about water management principles, modelling outcomes and the further MAR opportunities under investigation.

The CSIRO has supplied details for Seminar regarding the CSIRO Bradfield Assessment on 9/11/22.

• A recording of the Webinar is available for viewing at the Australian Water School website or their YouTube channel.

The CSIRO has supplied a link to their website that discusses Bradfield Schemes on 21/10/22.