Murray Darlingbasinauthority

ObjectivesandoutcomesforriveroperationsintheRiverMurraySystem

16April2015

Murray–DarlingBasinAuthority

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Objectives and outcomes for river operations in the River Murray system

PublishedbytheMurray‒DarlingBasinAuthority

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Title:ObjectivesandoutcomesforRiverOperationsintheRiverMurraySystem.

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Coverimage:YarrawongaWeirontheRiverMurray(photobyBraydenDykes)

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Totheextentpermittedbylaw,theMurray‒DarlingBasinAuthorityandtheCommonwealthexcludesallliabilitytoanypersonforanyconsequences,includingbutnotlimitedtoalllosses,damages,costs,expensesandanyothercompensation,arisingdirectlyorindirectlyfromusingthisreport(inpartorinwhole)andanyinformationor material contained within it.

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Table1:Versioncontrolhistory

Version / Dateapproved / Revisedby / Summaryofrevisions
1 / 17/01/2013 / ReviewoftheAgreementTaskforce / ConsiderationofissuesidentifiedbytheIndependentReviewofRiverOperationsGroup.
ConsistencywiththecodificationframeworkagreedtobytheBasinOfficialsCommitteeatmeeting15(AgendaItem5.5.1)andmeeting16(AgendaItem5.3.2).
Legalreviewtoensureclearandconciselanguage.
2 / 20/02/2014 / RiverManagementDivision,Murray-DarlingBasinAuthority / Version2(ReferenceD14/1140)supersedesVersion1(referenceD13/8581)whichrequiredfutureSpecificObjectivesandOutcomestobeaddedtothedocumentasanappendixoncetheywerecreated.AppendixA(referenceD13/12567)hasbeenincorporated. ItwasapprovedbytheBasinOfficialsCommitteeon14/02/2013.
Accessibilityandproofreadingedits(e.g.formatting,spelling,punctuation)alsomade.
3 / 29/04/2014 / Water Liaison Working Group / Extension of the Independent Review of River Operations Group from three to four members, with one to have expertise in environmental water delivery (Basin Officials Committee Meeting 26, Agenda Item 5.5).
Re-approved to 01/06/2015 (Basin Officials Committee meeting 26, Agenda Item 5.2).
4 / 16/04/2015 / RiverMurrayOperationsCommitteeMeeting2–26February2015 / Agreedrecommendationsfromthe2012-13IndependentReviewofRiverOperationsGroupreport,addedroleoftheRiverMurrayOperationsCommitteeandotherchanges.ThisversionwasapprovedbytheBasinOfficialsCommitteeatmeeting32(AgendaItem13)on16/04/2015.AmendmentofSpecificObjectiveandOutcome2.2andadditionofSpecificObjectivesandOutcomes12.13and15.1-4–approvaldetailsinSO&Oversioncontroltables.

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Objectives and outcomes for river operations in the River Murray system

Contents

1.Preliminary

2.Commencement

3.Interpretation

4.GeneralObjectivesandOutcomes

5.SpecificObjectivesandOutcomes

6.AchievingObjectivesandOutcomes

7.Referringinstancesofpossiblenon-compliancetoothers

8.Referringconflictsbetweenobjectivestoothers

9.Emergencies

10.AnnualOperatingPlan

11.DeterminingthevolumeofStatewaterentitlements

12.Reports

13.Matterstobereferredforadvice,informationordetermination

14.MatterstobereferredtotheCommittee

15.OthermatterstobereferredtotheCommittee

16.MatterswhichneednotbereferredtotheCommitteeiftheAuthorityseekstheadviceoftheWaterLiaisonWorkingGroup

17.Matterswhichtheauthorityneednotrefer

18.Providingrelevantinformation

19.Reviewandrevision

AppendixA:SpecificObjectivesandOutcomes23

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Objectives and outcomes for river operations in the River Murray system

1.Preliminary

(1)Paragraph26(1)(c)andsub-clause31(1)oftheAgreementrespectively:

(a)empowertheCommitteetomakehighleveldecisionsinrelationtoriveroperationsandtosetobjectivesandoutcomestobeachievedbytheAuthorityinrelationtoriveroperations;and

(b)requiretheCommitteetoapproveadocumentwhichspecifiesthoseobjectivesandoutcomeseachyear,unlesstheCommitteedeterminesotherwise.

(2)Thisdocument:

(a)specifiescertaingeneralobjectivesandoutcomestobeachievedbytheAuthorityinclause4;and

(b)providesfortheCommitteeprogressivelytospecifyinAppendicesSpecificObjectivesandOutcomesrelatingtomatterssuchasthosespecifiedinclause5.

(3)Figure1andFigure2attheendofthisdocument,respectivelysetoutindiagrammaticformtherelationshipbetweenthisdocumentand:

(a)otherdocumentsofparticularsignificance;and

(b)othersupportingdocuments.

2.Commencement

(1)Subjecttosub-clause2(2),thisdocumenttakeseffectonthedayitisapprovedbytheCommittee.

(2)TheSpecificObjectivesandOutcomessetoutinanAppendixtothisdocumenttakeeffectonthedaythattheCommitteeapprovesthatAppendix,orsuchlaterdatespecifiedbytheCommittee.

3.Interpretation

(1)Definitions

Thefollowingdefinitionsapplyinthisdocumentunlessthecontextrequiresotherwise:

ActmeanstheWaterAct2007(Cth).

AgreementmeanstheMurray–DarlingBasinAgreement,Schedule1oftheAct.

AnnualOperatingPlanmeanstheAnnualOperatingPlanadoptedbytheAuthorityundersub-clause10(1)(a)foraparticularwateryear.

AuthoritymeanstheMurray–DarlingBasinAuthority.

BasinPlanhasthemeaningsetoutinsub-section4(1)oftheAct.

CommitteemeanstheBasinOfficialsCommittee.

emergencymeansanemergencythattheMinisterialCouncilhasagreedexists,forthepurposesofsub-clause29(3)oftheAgreement.

EmergencyActionPlanmeanstheEmergencyActionPlanreferredtoinsub-clause10(3).

generalobjectivemeansanobjectivesetoutinclause4.

generaloutcomemeansanoutcomesetoutinclause4.

LivingMurrayBusinessPlanmeansthebusinessplanagreedpursuanttoclause13oftheLivingMurrayIntergovernmentalAgreement.

LivingMurrayAnnualWateringPlanmeansthedocumentofthatnamedevelopedbytherelevantcommittee.

LivingMurrayIconSiteEnvironmentalWaterManagementPlanmeansalocalwateringplaninrespectofasignificantecologicalsite,referredtoinclause117oftheLivingMurrayBusinessPlan.

LivingMurrayIntergovernmentalAgreementmeanstheIntergovernmentalAgreementonAddressingWaterOverallocationandAchievingEnvironmentalObjectivesintheMurray–DarlingBasinof25June2004.

priorpracticemeanstheresolutions,practicesandproceduresoftheMinisterialCouncil,theRiverMurrayCommission,theMurray–DarlingBasinCommission,theCommitteeandoftheAuthorityunderwhichriveroperationswerecarriedoutundertheAgreementanditspredecessors,beforethecommencementofthisdocument.

Relevantcommitteemeansanyrelevantadvisorycommitteeincludingarelevantsection203CommitteeoranyotherrelevantcommitteeapprovedbyMinisterialCouncil.

ReviewGroupmeanstheIndependentRiverOperationsReviewGroupreferredtoinsub-clause12(3).

RiverMurrayOperationsCommitteemeanstheadvisorycommitteeofthatnameestablishedbyMinisterialCouncilundersub-clause15(1)oftheAgreement.

RiverMurraySystemhasthemeaningsetoutinsub-section86A(3)oftheAct.

RMOassetshasthemeaningsetoutinclause2oftheAgreement.

SnowySchemehasthemeaningsetoutinsub-clause2(32)ofScheduleFtotheAgreement.

SouthernBasinStatemeanseachofNewSouthWales,VictoriaandSouthAustralia.

SouthernConnectedBasinEnvironmentalWateringCommitteemeanstheadvisorycommitteeofthatnameestablishedbyMinisterialcouncilundersub-clause15(1)oftheAgreement,tosupporttheoperationalcoordinationofenvironmentalwaterdeliveryinthesouthern-connectedBasin.

specificobjectivemeansanobjectiveapprovedbytheCommitteeandspecifiedinanAppendix,pursuanttosub-clause6(3).

specificoutcomemeansanoutcomeapprovedbytheCommitteeandspecifiedinanAppendix,pursuanttosub-clause6(3).

StatewaterentitlementmeanstheentitlementofaStatetowater,determinedinaccordancewithPartXIIoftheAgreement.

WaterLiaisonWorkingGroupmeanstheadvisorycommitteeofthatnameestablishedbytheAuthorityundersubsection203(1)oftheAct.

waterorderhasthemeaningsetoutinsub-clause122(2)oftheAgreement.

waterresourceassessmentmeansawaterresourceassessmentreferredtoinsub-clause11(1).

wateryearmeansthetwelvemonthsfrom1Junetothefollowing31May.

(2)RulesforInterpretingthisdocument

Headingsareforconvenienceonly,anddonotaffectinterpretation.Thefollowingrulesalsoapplyininterpretingthisdocument,exceptwherethecontextmakesitclearthataruleisnotintendedtoapply.

(a)Thisdocumentmustbereadinconjunctionwithclauses30to35oftheAgreement.

(b)WordsandphrasesdefinedintheActthatarenototherwisedefinedinsub-clause3(1)havethesamemeaninginthisdocument.

(c)Areferenceto:

(i)legislation(includingsubordinatelegislation)istothatlegislationasamended,re-enactedorreplaced,andincludesanysubordinatelegislationissuedunderit;

(ii)adocumentoragreement,oraprovisionofadocumentoragreement,istothatdocument,agreementorprovisionasamended,supplemented,replacedornovated;

(iii)aclause,sub-clause,paragraph,sub-paragraphorAppendixisareferencetoaclause,sub-clause,paragraph,sub-paragraphorAppendixofthisdocument;and

(iv)anything(includingaright,obligationorconcept)includeseachpartofit.

(d)Asingularwordincludestheplural,andviceversa.

(e)Ifawordisdefined,anotherpartofspeechhasacorrespondingmeaning.

(f)Ifanexampleisgivenofanything(includingaright,obligationorconcept),suchasbysayingitincludessomethingelse,theexampledoesnotlimitthescopeofthething.

(g)AnAppendixtothisdocumentispartofthisdocument.

4.GeneralObjectivesandOutcomes

(1)Subjecttosub-clause30(1)oftheAgreementandclause6,theAuthoritymustachievetheobjectivesandoutcomesrequiredbythefollowingsub-clauses4(2)to(6),whenperformingitsriveroperationfunctions,butisnotrequiredtodosoinanyparticularorderofpriority.

(2)Waterstorageanddeliveryandaccounting

(a)Objectives

(i)TooperatetheRiverMurraySystemefficientlyandeffectivelyinordertodeliverStatewaterentitlements,whileconservingwaterandminimisingundesirablelosses.

(ii)TomaximisethewateravailabletotheSouthernBasinStates,afterprovidingforoperatingcommitmentsintheRiverMurraySystem.

(b)Outcomes

(i)Theconservationofwaterandminimisationoflosses.

(ii)Theaccurateandtimelypreparation,delivery,reviewand,wherenecessary,amendmentofwateraccountsandwaterresourceassessments,inaccordancewiththisdocument.

(iii)ThedeliverytotheSouthernBasinStatesoftheirauthorisedwaterorders(includingwatertradedunderScheduleDoftheAgreement),unlessphysicalconstraintsoftheRiverMurraySystempreventthisfromoccurring.

(3)RMOassets

(a)Objectives

ToensurethatRMOassetsallowtheAuthoritytomanageanddeliverwaterthatisfitforthepurposeforwhichitistobeused,efficiently,effectivelyandsafely.

(b)Outcomes

(i)Theeffectivemanagement,maintenance,repair,renewalandreplacement,andtheprotectionofthesecurity,ofRMOassets.

(ii)TheeffectivemanagementandmitigationofanyemergencyoccurringatRMOassets.

(iii)ConductriveroperationsinwaysthatprotectthestructuralandoperationalintegrityofRMOassets.

(iv)Themanagementoffloodsinorderto:

firstly,protectthesecurityofrelevantRMOassets;then
secondly,tomaximisetheavailablewater,calculatedinaccordancewithclause102oftheAgreement,attheendoftherelevantfloodingepisode;andthen
thirdly,subjecttotheforegoingitems,limitflooddamagetodownstreamcommunitiesandincreasebenefitstotheenvironmentandpublicamenity,forexample,byprolongingwetlandinundationorbysupportingrecreationalactivities.

(v)UseexistingandnewRMOassetstodeliverenvironmentalwatermoreeffectivelyandtoachieveenvironmentalobjectivesforwaterdependentecosystems.

(4)Peopleandcommunities

(a)Objectives

(i)TocontributetothesafetyofcommunitiesalongtheRiverMurray.

(ii)Tocontributeto,andhaveregardfortheeconomic,social,environmentalandculturalactivitiesandvaluesofpeopleusingtheRiverMurraySystem.

(iii)Theprovisionofwatertomeetcriticalhumanwaterneeds.

(b)Outcomes

(i)Productiverelationshipswithrivermanagers,usersandotherstakeholderswithaninterestinriveroperationsaremaintained

(ii)Consistentlywithsub-paragraph4(3)(b)(iii),damagetodownstreamcommunitiesislimited,whenmanagingflooding.

(iii)Eventsthatmayadverselyaffectthequalityofwateravailableforurban,irrigation,industrial,environmental,recreationalorstockanddomesticusearemitigated.

(iv)TherequirementsofmajorpubliceventsusingpartsoftheRiverMurraySystemareproperlyconsidered.

(v)NavigationalandrecreationalusesoftheRiverMurraySystemareproperlyconsidered.

(vi)Appropriateregardisgiventoculturalheritagematters.

(5)Environment

(a)Objectives

Tocontributetotheprotectionand,wherepossible,restorationofpriorityenvironmentalassetsandecosystemfunctionswithintheRiverMurraySystem.

(b)Outcomes

(i)Riveroperationsaremanagedinwayswhichimproveenvironmentalattributesandsupportecosystemfunctionsandprocesses.

(ii)Environmentalwateringactivitiesarefacilitated,havingregardtotheLivingMurrayAnnualWateringPlanandtheLivingMurrayIconSiteEnvironmentalWaterManagementPlan.

(iii)Theknowledge,documentaryandpracticebasesforeffectiveenvironmentalwateringareallimproved,togetherwithcollaborationbetweenrelevantstakeholdersrelatingtothesematters.

(iv)TheWaterLiaisonWorkingGroupandanyotherrelevantcommitteereceivetimelyinformationaboutanysignificantactualorpredictedchangetotheRiverMurraySystem’swaterresources,inaccordancewithsub-clause15(5).

(v)Theriskofsignificantadverseenvironmentaleventsisreducedand,wheresuchaneventisunavoidable,itsimpactismitigated.

(vi)Riveroperationsaremanagedandoperationalpracticesreviewed,andifnecessaryaltered,toensurethatriverscanbemanagedtoachievemultipleobjectives.

(6)CommunicationandInformationmanagement

(a)Objectives

ToensurethattheAuthority,inoperatingtheRiverMurraySystem:

(i)usesthebestavailabledata,toolsandsystems;

(ii)keepsallstakeholderswithaninterestintheAuthority'sriveroperationswellinformedofitsplansandactivities;

(iii)actstransparently;and

(iv)isaccountableforitsactionsinaccordancewiththeAgreement.

(b)Outcomes

(i)TheMinisterialCouncil,theCommittee,theRiverMurrayOperationsCommittee,theWaterLiaisonWorkingGroup,otherrelevantcommittees,otherstakeholderswithaninterestintheAuthority'sriveroperationsandthepublicareeachprovidedwithappropriate,timelyandaccurateinformationabouttheAuthority'sriveroperations.

(ii)AppropriateandeffectivemeansareusedtocommunicatewithstakeholdersandtorefermatterstotheWaterLiaisonWorkingGroupandCommittee,inaccordancewiththisdocument.

(iii)AnyrecommendationsoftheCommitteeinrelationtotheestablishment,termsofreference,operationsorrecommendationsoftheReviewGroupareimplemented.

(iv)HydrometricstationsformingpartofRMOassets,asrequiredbyclause45oftheAgreement,aremanagedaccordingtobestpracticemethodstocollect,transfer,storeandassurethequalityofalldata,inaccordancewithanyrelevantagreementwithaSouthernBasinState,andsupportforecastingoffutureconditionsintheRiverMurraySystem.

5.SpecificObjectivesandOutcomes

(1)TheCommitteewill,duringthecurrentwateryearandthereafter,progressivelyspecifycertainSpecificObjectivesandOutcomesfortheAuthority'sriveroperationsinrelationtoanyorallof:

(a)adesignatedreachoftheRiverMurraySystem;

(b)adesignatedriveroperationactivity;

(c)anyRMOasset,

andmaydeterminetherelativeprioritywhichtheAuthoritymustgivetoachievinganyspecificobjectiveoroutcome.

(2)TheCommitteewillspecifyanymatterreferredtoinsub-clause5(1)inanAppendix.

(3)Subjecttoclause30(1)oftheAgreementandclause6,theAuthoritymustachievetheSpecificObjectivesandOutcomesspecifiedpursuanttothisclausewhenperformingitsriveroperationsfunctions.

(4)Withoutlimitingsub-clause5(1)or5(2),theCommitteemayprogressivelyspecifySpecificObjectivesandOutcomesfor:

(a)thefollowingreachesoftheRiverMurraySystem:

(i)UpperMurraytoHumeDam;

(ii)MittaMittaRiver,includingDartmouthDam;

(iii)HumeDamtoYarrawongaWeir,includingLakeMulwala;

(iv)YarrawongaWeirtoTorrumbarryWeir;

(v)TorrumbarryWeirtoEustonWeir;

(vi)TheEdwardsandWakoolRiverSystems;

(vii)EustonWeirtoWentworthWeir;

(viii)WentworthWeirtotheSouthAustralianborder,includingLakeVictoria;

(ix)SouthAustralianbordertoWellington;

(x)WellingtontotheMurrayMouth,includingLakesAlexandrinaandAlbert,thebarragesandtheCoorong;and

(xi)LowerDarling,includingMenindeeLakesandtheinteractionbetweentheLowerDarlingandtheGreatDarlingAnabranch

(b)thefollowingriveroperationactivities:

(i)managingtheinteractionbetweentheRiverMurraySystemandtheSnowyScheme;

(ii)carryingoutwaterresourceassessments;

(iii)preparingandmaintainingwateraccounts;

(iv)makingadjustmentsfortransfersofwaterentitlementsandallocationsunderScheduleDoftheAgreement;

(v)communications;and

(vi)operationoftheRiverMurraySystem.

(5)Subjecttoclause5(7),duringanyperiodbeforeSpecificObjectivesandOutcomesarespecifiedundersub-clause5(1)foranyreachoftheRiverMurraySystem,anyriveroperationactivity,oranyRMOasset,butnotthereafter,theAuthoritymustconductitsriveroperationsconsistentlywith:

(a)eachgeneralobjectiveandoutcome;and

(b)priorpractice,

inrelationtothatreachoftheRiverMurraySystem,riveroperationactivityorRMOasset.

(6)IftheAuthorityhasanydoubtaboutthenatureofpriorpracticeinrelationtoanyreachoftheRiverMurraySystem,riveroperationactivityorRMOasset,itmustseektheadviceoftheWaterLiaisonWorkingGroup.

(7)Ifthereisaconflictbetween:

(a)ageneralobjective,generaloutcome,previouslyspecifiedobjectiveorpreviouslyspecifiedoutcome(eachanexistingrequirement);

AND

(b)priorpractice,

inrelationtoanyreachoftheRiverMurraySystem,riveroperationorRMOasset,theexistingrequirementmustbeobserved.

6.AchievingObjectivesandOutcomes

Eachgeneralorspecificobjectiveandoutcomespecifiedunderclause4or5includesaprovisionthatitmaybeachieved:

(1)onlybyactingatalltimesinaccordancewiththeAgreementandthisdocument;and

(2)withoutlimitingparagraph6(1),bydoingonlywhatisreasonablypracticableinallthecircumstances,aftertakingintoconsideration:

(a)whetherornoteachoftheSouthernBasinStateshasprovidedtheAuthoritywithtimelyandaccuratehydrometricandotherdatarequiredbytheAuthoritytoperformitsriveroperationseffectively;

(b)thehighvariabilityanduncertaintyoftheRiverMurraySystemrelatingto:

(i)weatherconditionsandassociatedfactors(suchasprecipitationandevaporationrates);

(ii)inflowstorivers;

(iii)useofwaterpursuanttowaterallocationsandbyotherusers;

(iv)carry-overofwaterallocationsbetweenwateryears;

(v)theinteractionof,andmovementofwaterbetween,groundwaterandsurfacewatersources;

(vi)thequalityofwater;

(vii)thedifficultyofaccuratelypredictinganyofthemattersreferredtoinparagraph6(b)(ii);

(viii)thetimethatwatertakestotravelandotherphysicalconstraintsoftheRiverMurraySystem;

(ix)rainfallandstreamflowforecastsbytheBureauofMeteorologyfortheRiverMurraySystem;and

(x)thesocialand/oreconomicconsequencesofparticularactivities.

(c)limitstotheaccuracyofhydrologicalmodels(suchasmodelsforwateraccountingandwaterresourceassessment)andofrainfallandstreamflowforecasts;

(d)uncertaintyaboutchangestothegeomorphologyofriverchannelsnearflowgaugingstations;

(e)theneedtoimplementparticularriveroperationsactivitiessuchasmaintainingorrefurbishingRMOassets;

(f)theoccurrenceofanyunforeseenevent;and

(g)uncertaintyabouttheenvironmentalconsequencesofparticularactivities(forexample,becauseofuncertaintyaboutecosystem,naturalbiologicalorbiophysicalprocesses).

7.Referringinstancesofpossiblenon-compliancetoothers

(1)If,afterconsideringthemattersreferredtoinsub-paragraphs6(b)-(g),theAuthorityconcludesthatitmaybeunabletoachieveanygeneralorspecificobjectiveoroutcomespecifiedunderclause4or5inaccordancewithclause6without:

(a)failingtoactinaccordancewiththeAgreementorthisdocument;or

(b)affectinganyStatewaterentitlement,theAuthoritymustreferthemattertotheWaterLiaisonWorkingGroupforadvice.

(2)IftheWaterLiaisonWorkingGroupsoadvises,theAuthoritymustreferthemattertotheCommitteeafterfirstseekingtheadviceoftheRiverMurrayOperationsCommittee.

(3)IfamatterisreferredtotheCommitteeundersub-clause7(2),theCommitteemayapprovetheAuthorityundertakingriveroperationsotherthaninaccordancewiththisdocument.

8.Referringconflictsbetweenobjectivestoothers

(1)IftheAuthorityconsidersthatitmaybeunabletoachieveoneormoreofthegeneralorspecificobjectivesoroutcomesspecifiedunderclause4or5,inwholeorinpart,becauseofaconflictbetweeneitherorbothofobjectivesandoutcomes,theAuthoritymustreferthemattertotheWaterLiaisonWorkingGroupforadvice.

(2)IftheWaterLiaisonWorkingGroupsoadvises,theAuthoritymustreferthemattertotheCommitteeafterfirstseekingtheadviceoftheRiverMurrayOperationsCommittee.

(3)IfamatterisreferredtotheCommitteeundersub-clause8(2),theCommitteemayapprovetheAuthoritygivingprioritytooneormoreconflictingobjectiveoroutcome,despiteanyotherrequirementof,ormadeunder,thisdocument.

(4)TheCommitteemayonlygiveapprovalundersub-clause8(3)afterconsideringallrelevantprevailingcircumstances(includingwhethergivingprioritytooneormoreconflictingobjectivemayhaveamaterialeffectonanyStatewaterentitlement).

(5)Sub-clause(1)doesnotprecludetheAuthorityfromseekingadvicefromanyotherrelevantcommittee.

9.Emergencies

(1)Inplanningandconductingriveroperations,theAuthoritymusthaveregardtothepossibilitythattheoccurrenceofanemergencymayrequiretheAuthorityimmediatelytorespondtothatemergency.

(2)IftheMinisterialCouncilagreesthatanemergencyexistspursuanttosub-clause29(3)oftheAgreement,paragraph29(3)(b)oftheAgreementauthorisestheMinisterialCounciltodecidethattheAuthorityshouldcarryoutriveroperationsotherwisethaninaccordancewiththisdocument.

(3)TheAuthoritymust:

(a)haveandmaintainanEmergencyActionPlan;and

(b)provideacopyoftheEmergencyActionPlan,asamendedfromtimetotime,totheCommittee.

(4)Exceptasprovidedinsub-clause9(2),inanemergencytheAuthoritymustconductitsriveroperationsinaccordancewiththeEmergencyActionPlan,aftertakingintoconsiderationanyrequestsmadetotheAuthoritybyanypersonauthorisedtoactunderanyemergencyordisasterplanadoptedbyaSouthernBasinState.

(5)Subjecttotherequirementsofsection86FoftheActandanydecisionoftheMinisterialCouncilundersub-clause29(3)oftheAgreement,ifduringanemergency:

(a)theAuthorityundertakesanyriveroperation,orfunctionrelatingtoriveroperations,thatisinconsistentwith,ornotprovidedforin,anyobjectivesoroutcomesspecifiedunderclauses4or5orintheAnnualOperatingPlanforthatwateryear;and

(b)theproposaltoundertakethatriveroperationorfunctionhasnotpreviouslybeenreferredtotheCommittee,

theAuthoritymustgiveawrittenreporttotheCommitteerelatingtoitsperformanceofthatriveroperationorfunctionassoonaspracticableandnolaterthanfiveworkingdaysaftertheriveroperationorfunctionwasperformed.

10.AnnualOperatingPlan

(1)PreparationandAdoption

(a)Onorbefore30Juneineachwateryear,theAuthoritywillprepareandadoptanAnnualOperatingPlanfortheRiverMurraySystemforthatwateryear.

(b)AnAnnualOperatingPlanwill:

(i)beconsistentwitheverydocumentreferredtoinFigure1;

(ii)haveregardtoTheLivingMurrayAnnualWateringPlan;

(iii)haveregardtotheTheLivingMurrayIconSiteEnvironmentalWaterManagementPlans;

(iv)bepreparedbytheAuthorityafterconsideringadvicefromtheWaterLiaisonWorkingGroupandanyotherrelevantcommitteesabouttheappropriatecontentofthedraftAnnualOperatingPlan;and

(v)include:

(A)theanticipatedhydrologicalcircumstancesintheRiverMurraySystematthestartoftherelevantwateryear;

(B)hydrologicalassumptionsmadebytheAuthorityfortherelevantwateryear;

(C)theAuthority'sestimateofthevolumeofwateravailabletomeetthewaterentitlementofeachSouthernBasinStateatthestartoftherelevantwateryear(includinganyreservesofwaternotusedinthepreviouswateryear);

(D)theAuthority'sestimateofthevolumeofwaterrequiredtomeetotherparticularpurposesdesignatedbytheAgreement(suchasminimumreserves)duringtherelevantwateryear;

(E)theAuthority'sestimateofthevolumeofwateravailabletomeetthepurposesreferredtoinsub-sub-paragraph10(b)(v)(d);

(F)anyrisktothequalityorquantityofwateravailabletomeetcriticalhumanwaterneeds;

(G)RiveroperationsplannedbytheAuthoritytobeundertakenduringtherelevantwateryear(includingriveroperationsforenvironmentalpurposes)underseveralpossiblescenariosofwateravailability;and

(H)anyproposalbytheAuthoritywhichhaspreviouslybeenapprovedbytheCommittee,toaffectthewaterentitlementofanyStatebydepartingtemporarilyfromtheusualwateraccountingproceduresappliedbytheAuthority,duringtherelevantwateryear.

(c)TheAuthoritywillgiveacopyofanyAnnualOperatingPlanadoptedunderparagraph10(1)(a)totheRiverMurrayOperationsCommitteeandtheCommittee.

(d)TheAuthoritywillcarryoutitsfunctionsunderPartsXII(DistributionofWaters)andXIV(EffectofSnowyScheme)oftheAgreementinaccordancewiththeAnnualOperatingPlanadoptedfortherelevantwateryear,unlessthisdocument,theAgreementortheActrequirestheAuthoritytodootherwise.

(2)Monitoringprogress

(a)Onceineverythreemonths,oratsuchothertimesrequestedbytheWaterLiaisonWorkingGroup,theAuthorityagreestoprepareasummaryofdatarelatingtotheimplementationoftheAnnualOperatingPlan.

(b)Asummaryofdatapreparedunderparagraph10(2)(a)willsetoutdatatoindicate:

(i)howriveroperationshavebeenconductedbytheAuthorityintheprecedingmonthsofthewateryear;and

(ii)howriveroperationsmightbeconductedduringtheremainderofthatwateryear,havingregardtobotharangeofpossibleoutlooksandtheAnnualOperatingPlan.

(c)TheAuthoritywillgiveacopyofeachsummaryofdatapreparedunderparagraph10(2)(a)totherepresentativeofeachSouthernBasinStateontheWaterLiaisonWorkingGroup,intimeforthatsummarytobeconsideredatthefirstmeetingoftheWaterLiaisonWorkingGroupafterthesummaryhasbeenprepared.

(d)IftheAuthorityconsidersthatasummaryofdataindicatesthattheremayneedtobeasignificantchangetotheriveroperationsenvisagedbytheAnnualOperatingPlan(becauseof,forexample,thepossibilityofgreaterflowsintheRiverMurraySystemthanwerepreviouslyanticipated,ortheneedtoundertakeemergencyworkonanRMOasset),theAuthoritywillreviewtheAnnualOperatingPlaninaccordancewithsub-clause10(3).

(3)Reviewandamendment

(a)TheAuthority,inconsultationwiththeWaterLiaisonWorkingGroup,willreviewtheAnnualOperatingPlan:

(i)inOctoberofeveryyear;

(ii)atsuchothertimesasmayberecommendedbytheWaterLiaisonWorkingGroup;

(iii)wheneverrequiredpursuanttoparagraph10(2)(d);and

(iv)atanyothertimethattheAuthoritythinksappropriate.

(b)Areviewconductedunderparagraph10(3)(a)will:

(i)setoutinformationrelevanttoeachpossiblescenarioofwateravailabilityconsideredintheAnnualOperatingPlan;

(ii)setoutinformationaboutriveroperationsconductedbytheAuthorityduringtheprecedingmonthsoftherelevantwateryear;and

(iii)indicatewhethertheAuthoritystillexpectstoundertaketheplannedriveroperationssetoutintheAnnualOperatingPlanduringtheremainderoftherelevantwateryearand,ifnot,whatchangestotheplannedriveroperationsareproposedbytheAuthority.

(c)TheAuthoritymay,fromtimetotime,amendanAnnualOperatingPlan,whetherornotithaspreviouslyconductedareviewpursuanttoparagraph10(3)(a),afterseekingadvicefrom:

(i)theWaterLiaisonWorkingGroup;and

(ii)iftheWaterLiaisonWorkingGroupafterfirstseekingtheadviceoftheRiverMurrayOperationsCommitteesorecommends,totheCommittee.

(d)TheAuthoritywillgiveacopyofanyamendedAnnualOperatingPlantotheRiverMurrayOperationsCommitteeandtheCommittee.

11.DeterminingthevolumeofStatewaterentitlements

(1)Forthepurposesofdetermining,fromtimetotime,thevolumeofeachStatewaterentitlementinthecourseofanywateryeartheAuthorityhasagreedtomakewaterresourceassessmentsinaccordancewiththisclausemonthly,oratsuchotherintervalsastheWaterLiaisonWorkingGroupmayrecommend.

(2)TheAuthoritywillmakeeachwaterresourceassessmentunderseveralpossiblescenariosofwateravailability.

(3)IftheCommitteesorequires,theAuthoritywillprepareforecastsofeachStatewaterentitlementfortheensuingwateryear,bypreparingwaterresourceassessmentsinaccordancewiththisclause.

(4)AtsuchintervalsastheCommitteemayrequire,theAuthoritywillreviewand,ifitconsidersittobeappropriate,amendanyhydrologicalassumptionstobemadeforanywaterresourceassessment,afterseekingtheadviceoftheWaterLiaisonWorkingGroup.

(5)Awaterresourcesassessmentwill:

(a)takeintoaccountanyadvicegivenbytheWaterLiaisonWorkingGroupundersub-clause11(4);

(b)beconsistentwithanyrelevantspecificobjectivesoroutcomesspecifiedunderclause5or,intheabsenceofrelevantspecificobjectivesoroutcomes,beconsistentwithpriorpractice;

(c)determinetheforecastvolumeofwaterattheendofthecurrentwateryearof:

(i)eachStatewaterentitlement;

(ii)thewateravailabletomeetcriticalhumanwaterneedsunderclauses102Aand102BoftheAgreement;

(iii)anyadvanceofwaterforcriticalhumanwaterneedswhichtheCommitteemayneedtodetermineunderclause102CoftheAgreement;

(iv)anyrepayableadvanceofwatermadetoaStateinaprecedingwateryear,thatisincludedinaStatewaterentitlement;

(v)thecurrentconveyancereservedeterminedbytheAuthorityunderclause102DoftheAgreement;

(vi)thecurrentminimumreservedeterminedbytheAuthorityunderclause103oftheAgreement;and

(vii)waterwhichmustbeusedforadesignatedpurposeduringtherelevantwateryear,asaresultofadecisionmadebytheMinisterialCouncil,theCommitteeortheAuthority,inaccordancewiththeAgreement.

(d)statethewatersharingtierthatappliesinthecurrentwateraccountingperiod.

(6)TheAuthoritywillprovideeachState'srepresentativeontheWaterLiaisonWorkingGroupwitheachwaterresourceassessmentpreparedbytheAuthorityeither:

(a)monthly;or

(b)atanymorefrequentintervalsapprovedbytheCommittee.

(7)TheAuthoritywillpromptlyprovideeachRiverMurrayOperationsCommitteememberandeachCommitteememberrepresentingaSouthernBasinStatewithasummaryofeachwaterresourceassessmentreferredtoinsub-clause11(6)atthesameintervalsrequiredbythatparagraph.

12.Reports

(1)WaterAccounts

(a)TheAuthorityhasagreedtopreparemonthlywateraccountsforeachSouthernBasinState,asataspecifieddateintheprecedingmonth,inaccordancewiththisclause.

(b)Wateraccountswill:

(i)beconsistentwithanyrelevantSpecificObjectivesandOutcomesspecifiedunderclause5or,intheabsenceofrelevantSpecificObjectivesandOutcomes,beconsistentwithpriorpractice;

(ii)setoutthevolumeofwatertobeallocatedtoNewSouthWalesandVictoria,respectively,pursuanttoclauses106and107oftheAgreement;

(iii)setoutthevolumeofanyflowstowhichNewSouthWalesandVictoriaarerespectivelyentitledunderclause108oftheAgreement;

(iv)setoutthevolumeofwaterbeingheldineachmajorstorageforeachSouthernBasinState;

(v)setout,foreachSouthernBasinState,thevolumeofwaterthenintransitintheRiverMurraySystem;

(vi)setoutthevolumeofwaterdeemedtobeusedrespectivelybyNewSouthWalesandVictoria,pursuanttoclause109oftheAgreement;

(vii)duringanyperiodofspecialaccounting,setoutanyimbalancecalculatedunderclause126oftheAgreement,asadjustedbytheAuthorityunderclause127oftheAgreement,whereappropriate;

(viii)beconsistentwithpart4ofScheduleGAccountingforSouthAustralia’sStorageRightstotheAgreement;and

(ix)beconsistentwithpart4ofScheduleHWaterSharingDuringTiers2and3totheAgreement.

(c)AtintervalsagreedbetweentheAuthorityandeachSouthernBasinState,theAuthoritywillprovidethatState'srepresentativeontheWaterLiaisonWorkingGroupwiththewateraccountspreparedforthatStatesincewateraccountswerelastprovidedtothatrepresentative.

(2)AnnualRiverOperationsreport

(a)By31Julyineachyear(orsuchlaterdatedeterminedbytheCommittee)theAuthorityhasagreedtoprepareandgivetotheRiverMurrayOperationsCommitteeandtheCommitteeanAnnualRiverOperationsReportonriveroperationsundertakenbytheAuthorityduringtheprecedingwateryear,inaccordancewiththisclause.

(b)AnAnnualRiverOperationsReportwill:

(i)summarisetheriveroperationscarriedoutbytheAuthority;

(ii)indicatethedegreetowhichanygeneralorSpecificObjectivesandOutcomesspecifiedunderclauses4or5wereachievedbytheAuthority;

(iii)indicateanydeparturesfromthegeneralandSpecificObjectivesandOutcomesreferredtoinsub-paragraph12(2)(b)(ii)thatwereapprovedbytheCommitteeandundertakenbytheAuthority;

(iv)reportontheoperationofSouthAustralia’sstoragerights,pursuanttoclause29ofScheduleGtotheAgreement;

(v)setouteachmatterwhichtheAuthorityreferredtotheCommitteetodetermineunderclause33oftheAgreementandthenatureofthatdetermination;and

(vi)setoutanyothersignificantresolutionsmade,oractionstakenbyeitherorboththeCommitteeor/andtheAuthorityinrelationtoriveroperations(includinganyalterationsmadetoriveroperationsthatweremadeinordertocomplywithrequirementsoftheAct,theAgreementoranyotherlegislationapplyingtotheAuthority).

(3)AnnualreviewofRiverOperations

(a)Pursuanttosub-section203(1)oftheAct,theAuthorityhasdeterminedtoappointanIndependentRiverOperationsReviewGrouptoassistitinperformingitsfunctionsunderthisdocument,withtheconstitutionandfunctionsandfollowingtheproceduressetoutinthisdocument.

(b)Subjecttoparagraph12(3)(e),theAuthoritywillappointuptofourmembersoftheReviewGroupfromalistofatleastfour,andnomorethanseven,personsnominatedbytheCommittee,eachofwhomhassignificantexpertisein,orsignificantexperiencerelatingto,riveroperations and one member of the Review Group from a list of at least two and no more than three persons nominated by the Committee each of whom has significant expertise in, or significant expertise relating to, environmental water delivery.

(c)Subjecttoparagraph12(3)(d),section204oftheActappliestomembersoftheReviewGroup.

(d)IftheCommitteerecommendsthattheAuthorityterminatetheappointmentofamemberoftheReviewGroup,theAuthoritywillconsiderthatrecommendationwhendecidingwhethertoterminatetheappointmentundersection204(5)oftheAct.

(e)IftheAuthorityterminatestheappointmentofoneormoremembersnominatedbytheCommitteeunderparagraph12(3)(b),theAuthoritywillappointoneormorereplacementmembers,asrequired,fromalistofatleasttwicethenumberofpersonsrequiredtobeappointed,nominatedbytheCommittee,eachofwhomhassignificantexpertisein,orsignificantexperiencerelatingto,riveroperations.

(f)EachyeartheReviewGroupmustreviewtheAuthority'scompliancewiththeprovisionsofthisdocumentduringtheprecedingwateryear,havingregardto:

(i)generalandSpecificObjectivesandOutcomesapplyingtothatwateryear;

(ii)intheabsenceofanyrelevantSpecificObjectivesandOutcomesforareachoftheRiverMurraySystem,RMOassetorriveroperationsactivity,thepriorpracticefortherelevantreach,RMOassetoractivity;

(iii)theprovisionsofclause6;and

(iv)anyotherrelevantmatter.

(g)Forthepurposeofconductingatimelyreview,theAuthoritywillgivetheReviewGroupcopiesofthewateraccountsandAnnualRiverOperationsReportforthepreviouswateryear,by1Augustinanyyear.

(h)TheReviewGroupmustgivetheAuthorityaReviewReport,settingouttheresultsofthereviewconductedunderparagraph12(3)(f)by30Septemberinanyyear.

(i)AfterreceivingaReviewReport,theAuthoritywillgiveittotheWaterLiaisonWorkingGroupforthepurposeofmakingcommentsonanyrelevantmatteroffactorinterpretationsetoutinthatreport.

(j)AfterreceivinganycommentsfromtheWaterLiaisonWorkingGroup,theAuthoritywillsubmit ittothefirstmeetingoftheRiverMurrayOperationsCommitteeheldafter1Novemberinanyrelevantyear.

(k)TheAuthoritywillsubsequentlysubmittothenextmeetingoftheCommittee:

(i)theReviewReport;

(ii)anycommentsmadebytheWaterLiaisonWorkingGroupontheReviewReport;

(iii)anyadvicemadebytheRiverMurrayOperationsCommitteeontheReviewReport;

(iv)anyadvicetheAuthoritymaywishtogivetheCommitteeinrelationtomatterssetoutintheReviewReport;and

(v)anyactionswhichtheAuthorityproposestotakeinthelightofmatterssetoutintheReviewReport.

13.Matterstobereferredforadvice,informationordetermination

(1)Pursuanttosub-clauses31(1),33(3)and30(3)respectively,oftheAgreement:

(a)theAuthoritymustrefertotheCommitteefordetermination,afterfirstseekingtheadviceoftheRiverMurrayOperationsCommittee:

(i)anymatterrelatingtocarryingonriveroperationswhichthisdocumentrequiresittorefer;and

(ii)anydecisionthattheAuthorityproposestomakeinrelationtoriveroperationsthathasthepotentialtohaveamaterialeffectonaStatewaterentitlement;and

(b)theAuthoritymustactinaccordancewithanydeterminationmadebytheCommitteerelatingtothatmatterordecision.

(2)Pursuanttosub-clause33(3)and26(1)(c)oftheAgreement,clauses14,15and16respectivelysetoutmattersrelatingtoriveroperationswhichtheAuthority:

(a)mustrefertotheCommittee;

(b)needonlybereferredtotheCommitteeiftheWaterLiaisonWorkingGroupsoadvisestheAuthority;and

(c)neednotbereferredtotheCommitteeiftheAuthorityfirstseekstheadviceoftheWaterLiaisonWorkingGroup,beforedeterminingthematter.

(3)Forthesakeofclarity,clause17setsoutmattersrelatingtoriveroperationswhichtheAuthoritymaydeterminewithoutreferringthemattertoeithertheCommitteeortheWaterLiaisonWorkingGroup.

14.MatterstobereferredtotheCommittee

(1)InadditiontothemattersthatmustbereferredtotheCommitteepursuanttoclauses7and8,theAuthoritymustrefereachofthefollowingmatterstotheCommitteefordetermination,afterfirstseekingtheadviceoftheRiverMurrayOperationsCommittee,inthecircumstancessetoutbelow.

(a)InsufficientChannelCapacity

Anypreviousdirectiongivenorproceduredeterminedundersub-clause98(1)orclause66oftheAgreement,respectively,iftheAuthorityconsidersthatifthedirectionorprocedureisimplementedintheprevailingcircumstances,itisreasonablylikelytoresultineither:

(i)insufficientwaterbeingprovidedtomeetalldownstreamordersforwater;or

(ii)downstreamchannelcapacitybeingexceededifalldownstreamordersforwateraremet.

(b)ReductioninWaterAllocationswithinaState

AnyproposalbytheAuthoritytoadjustthevolumeofwateravailabletomeetaStatewaterentitlement,iftheAuthorityconsidersthatsuchanadjustmentislikelytorequireaSouthernBasinStatetoreducethevolumeofallocationsithaspreviouslyannouncedasbeingavailabletowaterentitlementholdersinthatwateryear.

(c)Matterreferredtoinparagraph33(1)(b)oftheAgreement

Pursuanttoparagraph33(1)(b)oftheAgreement,anymatterwhichtwoormoremembersoftheCommitteehaverequiredtobereferredtotheCommitteeinthecircumstancessetoutinthatparagraph.

15.OthermatterstobereferredtotheCommittee

(1)Inadditiontothemattersreferredtoinclauses7and8,theAuthoritymustrefertotheCommitteefordetermination,afterfirstseekingtheadviceoftheRiverMurrayOperationsCommittee,anymatterrelatingtoriveroperationsthat:

(a)isnotdealtwithin,orisinconsistentwith,aspecificobjective,aspecificoutcomeorwithanyotherprovisionofthisdocument;or

(b)twoormoremembersoftheWaterLiaisonWorkingGroup,whorepresentSouthernBasinStates,considermayhavethepotentialtohaveamaterialeffectonanyStatewaterentitlementbecauseadeterminationrelatingtothatmattermayrequireaSouthernBasinStatetoreducethevolumeofallocationsithaspreviouslyannouncedasbeingavailabletowaterentitlementholdersinthatwateryear.

(2)Withoutlimitingsub-clause15(1),iftheAuthorityconsidersthatanyofthefollowingeventsisreasonablylikelytooccur,itmustnotifytheWaterLiaisonWorkingGroupofthatfact,assoonaspracticable.

(a)Specialaccounting

TheAuthoritydeclaresorterminatesaperiodofspecialaccountingpursuanttoclauses123or129oftheAgreement.

(b)Directionaboutavalleyaccount

TheAuthoritygives,amendsorcancelsadirectionaboutwaterstandingtothecreditofavalleyaccountpursuanttosub-clause11(4)ofScheduleDoftheAgreement.

(c)Unregulatedflows

(i)TheflowoftheRiverMurrayattheconfluenceofFrenchman'sCreekislikelytoexceed,foraperiodofatleastoneweek,thesumof:

(A)thequantitieswhichSouthAustraliaisentitledtoreceiveunderclauses88or90oftheAgreement;

(B)thevolumeofwatertobeusedforenvironmentalpurposesthenbeingdeliveredtoSouthAustralia;

(C)thevolumeofanyotherwaterwhichisthenrequiredtobedeliveredtoSouthAustraliaundertheAgreement(forpurposessuchasdilutionflows,satisfyingwatertradingcommitmentsorsupplyingpreviouslydeferredentitlements);

(D)anyquantitieswhich,intheopinionoftheAuthority,shouldandcanbeimpoundedinLakeVictoria;and

(E)anyquantitiesorderedforusebyNewSouthWalesandVictoria.

(ii)AnyotherunregulatedflowislikelytooccuratsuchlocationandofsuchmagnitudeanddurationastheCommitteemaydeterminefromtimetotime,andnotifytotheAuthority.

(d)VariationofmonthlyquantitiesforSouthAustralia

TheAuthorityvariesanymonthlyquantitywhichSouthAustraliaisotherwiseentitledtoreceive,pursuanttoclause90oftheAgreement.

(e)ChangeintheAuthority'sabilitytodirectreleasesfromMenindeeLakesStorage

AnychangeintheAuthority'sabilitytodirectreleasesfromMenindeeLakesStorage,throughtheoperationofclause99oftheAgreement.

(f)Internalspill

Aninternalspill,withinthemeaningofclause116oftheAgreement,occursinDartmouthReservoir,HumeReservoir,LakeVictoriaortheMenindeeLakesStorage.

(3)WhetherornottheAuthorityhasnotifiedtheWaterLiaisonWorkingGroupundersub-clause15(2),itmustnotifytheWaterLiaisonWorkingGroupassoonaspracticableafteraneventreferredtointhatsub-clauseoccurs.

(4)IftwoormoremembersoftheWaterLiaisonWorkingGroupeachofwhomrepresentsaSouthernBasinStatesoadvisetheAuthority,theAuthoritymustinformtheRiverMurrayOperationsCommitteeandtheCommitteeaboutanymatternotifiedtotheWaterLiaisonWorkingGroupundersub-clause15(2)or15(3),assoonaspracticableafterreceivingthatadvice.

(5)TheAuthoritymustalsonotifytheChairoftheSouthernConnectedBasinEnvironmentalWateringCommittee:

(a)ofanymatterreferredtoinparagraph15(2)(c),atthesametimeasitnotifiestheWaterLiaisonWorkingGroup;and

(b)assoonaspracticable,ifitconsidersthat,asaresultofitsriveroperations,anopportunityislikelytoarisetomeetoneormoreoftheenvironmentalwateringoutcomessetoutineitherTheLivingMurrayAnnualWateringPlanoraLivingMurrayIconSiteEnvironmentalWaterManagementPlan.

16.MatterswhichneednotbereferredtotheCommitteeiftheAuthorityseekstheadviceoftheWaterLiaisonWorkingGroup

(1)Despiteanyotherprovisionofthisdocument(includinganygeneralorspecificobjectiveoroutcome)iftheAuthorityproposestoexerciseafunctionrelatingtoriveroperationswhichtheAuthorityconsidersthataSouthernBasinStatemightregardasbeingofparticularsignificance,theAuthoritymust:

(a)notifytheWaterLiaisonWorkingGroupoftheproposalatleasttwoweeksbeforetheAuthorityproposestoexercisethatfunction,whereverpossible;and

(b)consideranyrelevantadvicegivenbytheWaterLiaisonWorkingGrouprelatingtothatproposal,beforetheAuthoritydecidestoexercisethefunction.

(2)Withoutlimitingsub-clause16(1),theAuthoritymustnotify,andconsideranyrelevantadvicefrom,theWaterLiaisonWorkingGroupbeforeitdecidestoamendorcancelanydirectionmadeunderparagraph11(4)(a)ofScheduleDtotheAgreement,whichrelatestowaterstandingtothecreditofavalleyaccount,wherethatdirectionisnotinaccordancewiththeAnnualOperatingPlanforthatwateryear.

17.Matterswhichtheauthorityneednotrefer

Forthesakeofclarity,theCommitteedoesnotrequiretheAuthoritytorefertoeithertheWaterLiaisonWorkingGroup,theRiverMurrayOperationsCommittee,ortheCommitteeanymatterrelatingtotheAuthorityperformingitsriveroperationsfunctionsunderclause29oftheAgreement,exceptanymatterthatitisrequiredtorefer:

(1)underparagraph33(1)(a)or(b)orsub-clause33(3)oftheAgreement;or

(2)underclauses7,8,10,15or16oranyotherprovisionofthisdocument.

18.Providingrelevantinformation

(1)WhenreferringamattertotheWaterLiaisonWorkingGroup,RiverMurrayOperationsCommitteeortheCommittee:

(a)pursuanttoparagraph33(1)(a)or(b)orsub-clause33(3)oftheAgreement;or

(b)underclauses7,8,10,15or16,oranyotherprovisionofthisdocument,theAuthoritymustgivetheWaterLiaisonWorkingGroup,RiverMurrayOperationsCommittee,ortheCommittee,asthecaserequires:

(i)allinformationavailabletotheAuthoritythatisrelevanttothematterreferred;

(ii)anyfurtherinformationwhichtheWaterLiaisonWorkingGroup,theRiverMurrayOperationsCommittee,ortheCommitteemayrequest;

(iii)informationabouthowthematterreferredisrelatedtoanygeneralorspecificobjectiveoroutcomespecifiedunderclauses4or5;

(iv)acopyofanyadvicereceivedbytheAuthorityaboutthematterfromanyrelevantcommittee;and

(v)inthecaseofamatterreferredtotheCommittee,aclearstatementofthetermsofanydeterminationsoughtbytheAuthorityfromtheCommittee.

(2)IftheAuthorityisrequiredtoestimatetheeffectofaproposeddecisionoractiononaStatewaterentitlementforthepurposeofprovidinginformationundersub-clause18(1),theAuthoritymustestimateandcompare:

(a)thevolumeofwaterthatwouldbeanticipatedtobeavailabletomeetthatStatewaterentitlementiftheproposeddecisionoractionisnotmadeortaken;with

(b)thevolumeofwaterthatwouldbeanticipatedtobeavailabletomeetthatStatewaterentitlementiftheproposeddecisionoractionismadeortaken.

(3)Inestimatinganeffectundersub-clause18(2),theAuthoritymusteitheruse:

(a)thewateraccountingandassessmentmodelsotherwiseusedforthepurposesoftheAgreement;or

(b)someothermethod(suchasusingdailyoperationalspreadsheets)thattheAuthorityconsiderstobesuitableinthecircumstances.

19.Reviewandrevision

(1)Subjecttosub-clauses19(2)and19(3),theCommitteewillreviewtheoperationofthisdocumenteachyear.

(2)IftwoormoremembersoftheCommitteesorequest,andtheCommitteeconsidersitappropriatetodoso,theCommitteewillreviewtheoperationofthisdocumentatanyothertime.

(3)TheCommitteewillreviewtheoperationofthisdocumentassoonaspracticableafter:

(a)theAuthoritypublishesaproposedBasinPlan,oranyproposedamendmenttoaBasinPlan;

(b)theMinisterialCouncilamendstheAgreementinarelevantway;or

(c)theRiverMurrayOperationsCommitteerecommendsthatanyspecificobjectiveorspecificoutcomereferredtoinclause5shouldbeadopted,amendedorrepealed.

(4)WhenevertheCommitteereviewsthisdocument,itwill:

(a)consultwiththeRiverMurrayOperationsCommittee;and

(b)haveregardtothemostrecentReviewReportpreparedbytheReviewGroup.

(5)IftheCommitteedecidesthatanyamendmentisrequiredtothisdocumentasaresultofareviewconductedunderthisclause,itwill,assoonaspracticable:

(a)maketherequiredamendment;and

(b)approvetheamendeddocumentpursuanttosub-clause31(1)oftheAgreement.

Figure1:Relationshipsbetweenthisdocumentandotherdocumentsofparticularsignificance

Note:Inthisfigure,areferencetoaclauseistoaclauseoftheAgreement.

Figure2:Relationshipsbetweenthisdocumentandothersupportingdocuments

Inthisfigure,unlessstatedotherwise,areferencetoaclauseistoaclauseinthisdocument.

AppendixA:SpecificObjectivesandOutcomes

ApprovedonbytheBasinOfficialsCommittee

Effectivefrom29August2014

Deliberatelyleftblank

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Objectives and outcomes for river operations in the River Murray system

AppendixA:SpecificObjectivesandOutcomes

TableofContents

Introduction

1.DartmouthDam

1.1.Maximumplannedregulatedrelease

1.2.Airspacemanagementandfloodoperations

1.3.MaximumrateofriseandfallinRiverlevelduringplannedregulatedreleases

1.4.Minimumplannedregulatedreleases

1.5.Practicestobereplacedbythisdocument

2.HumeDamandReservoir

2.1.Maximumplannedregulatedreleases

2.2.MaximumrateoffallinRiverlevelduringplannedregulatedreleases

2.3.Minimumplannedregulatedreleases

2.4.Airspacemanagementandfloodoperations

2.5.Practicestobereplacedbythisdocument

3.YarrawongaWeir

3.1.MaximumplannedregulatedflowthroughtheBarmahChoke

3.2.FloodOperationsatYarrawongaWeir

3.3.ManagementofLakeMulwaladuringtheirrigationseason

3.4.SupportingsocialandrecreationaluseofLakeMulwala

3.5.MinimumplannedregulatedreleasefromYarrawongaWeir

3.6.Practicestobereplacedbythisdocument

4.BarmahMillewaForest

4.1.BarmahMillewaForestEnvironmentalWaterAllocationaccountingprovisions

4.2.ForestRegulatorOperation

4.3.Practicestobereplacedbythisdocument

4.4.Practicestoberevokedbythisdocument

5.Edward-WakoolSystem

5.1.UseoftheWakoolSystem

5.2.EdwardRiverOfftakeOperation

5.3.GulpaCreekOfftakeOperation

5.4.WeraiForestRegulatorsOperation

5.5.AuthoritywaterordersdownstreamofStevensWeir

5.6.Practicestobereplacedbythisdocument

6.TorrumbarryWeir

6.1.Practicestoberevokedbythisdocument

7.SwanHill

7.1.MinimumwaterlevelatSwanHill

7.2.Practicestobereplacedbythisdocument

8.WeirandLockNo.10–WentworthWeir

8.1.MinimumRiverMurraycontributiontoflowoverWeirand
Lock 10 –WentworthWeir

8.2.Practicestobereplacedbythisdocument

9.LakeVictoria

9.1.LakeVictoriaOperatingStrategy

9.2.Inletandoutletflowrates

9.3.FullSupplyLevelofLakeVictoria

9.4.MaximumrateofriseofLakelevel

9.5.ImprovingwaterqualityusingLakeVictoria

9.6.Practicestobereplacedbythisdocument

9.7.Practicestocontinuedespitethisdocument

10.MenindeeLakesStorage(whentheAuthorityhastheabilitytodirectreleases)

10.1.MaximumplannedregulatedreleasedownstreamofMenindeeLakesStorage

10.2.MaximumrateofriseandfallinflowratesdownstreamofMenindeeLakesStorage

10.3.MinimumplannedregulatedreleasesfromMenindeeLakes

10.4.DistributionofwaterstoredwithinMenindeeLakesStorage

10.5.Practicestobereplacedbythisdocument

10.6.Practicestoberevokedbythisdocument

11.LowerLakesBarrages

11.1.OperationoftheLowerLakesBarrages

12.SystemOperation

12.1.HarmonyOperationofDartmouthandHumeReservoirs

12.2.HarmonyOperationoftheMenindeeLakesStorageandLakeVictoria

12.3.AdditionalDilutionFlowstoSouthAustralia

12.4.BulktransferfromDartmouthReservoirtoHumeReservoir

12.5.BulktransfersfromHumeReservoirtoLakeVictoria

12.6.Managementofrainrejectionevents

12.7.Planningfor,andcommunicationofpotentialunregulatedflowadvice

12.8.Variabilityinriverflowpatternsandlevels

12.9.UseofbypassesoftheBarmahChoke

12.10.LindsayRiverAllowance

12.11.Dealingwithshortfallsinmeetingwaterdemands

12.12.AdjustmentofflowstoSouthAustraliainresponsetoratingtablechanges

12.13.Determiningtheminimuminflowprediction

12.14.Practicestobereplacedbythisdocument

12.15.Practicestoberevokedbythisdocument

13.WaterAccounts

13.1.MaintenanceoftheWaterAccounts,includingtheWaterAccountingModel,modelcodeandassociateddata

14.WaterResourceAssessment

14.1.MaintenanceoftheWaterResourceAssessmentmodel,includingthemodelcodeandassociateddata

15.Tier2and3WaterSharingArrangements

15.1.Advancesofwatertosupportcriticalhumanwaterneedsortheconveyancereserve

15.2.Remedialactions

15.3.PrioritiesforwaterallocationinperiodsofTier2and3watersharingarrangements

15.4.Settingasidetheconveyancereserve

AttachmentAtoSpecificObjectivesandOutcomes

16.Plannedenvironmentalwater

BulkEntitlement(RiverMurray–GoulburnMurrayWater-FloraFauna)ConversionOrder1999-Consolidatedasat23June2011

SpecificObjectivesandOutcomes

Introduction

TheObjectivesandOutcomesforRiverOperationsintheRiverMurraySystemdocument(ObjectivesandOutcomesdocument)allowsfortheCommitteetomakeSpecificObjectivesandOutcomesfortheoperationoftheRiverMurraySystem(clause5oftheObjectivesandOutcomesdocument).Thisappendixgiveseffecttothisrequirement.
EachgeneralandspecificobjectiveandoutcomemustbeachievedinaccordancewiththerequirementsoftheObjectivesandOutcomesdocument.
UnlessotherwiseagreedbytheCommittee,theinitialversionoftheSpecificObjectivesandOutcomeshasbeenpreparedinaccordancewith;

(i)thedecisionsoftheMinisterialCouncil,formerRiverMurrayCommission(RMC),theformerMurray-DarlingBasinCommission(MDBC)andtheCommitteepriortotheadoptionoftheSpecificObjectivesandOutcomesdocument;and

(ii)establishedpracticesinrelationtoriveroperationsthatappliedpriortothecommencementofthisdocumentthathadnotbeenformallyapprovedbyanauthorisingbody.

TheSpecificObjectivesandOutcomesareconsistentwiththerulesoftheformerdecisionmakingbodies,buthavebeenupdatedtoreflectcontemporarypractice.Theywillberevisedandamendedonanasneedsbasistoensure:

(i)theyreflectcontemporarypracticesandincorporatedecisionsmadebytheCommitteeunderclause26oftheAgreementandadviceprovidedunderclause201oftheWaterAct2007afterAugust2012;

(ii)consistencywiththerequirementsandassumptionsoftheBasinPlan,suchasthoserelatingtosystemdelivery,andoperationalandpolicyconstraints.

TheMurray-DarlingBasinAuthority(theAuthority)willdevelopproceduresunderclauses66and98oftheAgreementthatprovidemoredetailonhowtheseSpecificObjectivesandOutcomeswillbeimplemented.TheAuthoritywillprogressivelydevelopproceduresinconsultationwiththepartiestotheAgreementtosupporteachSpecificObjectiveandOutcome.

Objectives and outcomes for river operations in the River Murray system

DartmouthDam

1.1.Maximumplannedregulatedrelease

(a)Purpose

ToestablishamaximumplannedregulatedreleasedownstreamofDartmouthDamthatbalancesdeliveringentitlementsandwaterorderstotheSouthernBasinStates,(O&Osub-clause4(2))withlimitingdamagetodownstreamcommunities(O&Osub-clause4(4)).

(b)SpecificObjective

PlannedregulatedreleasesfromtheDartmouthPondageWeir(Banimboola)todeliverStatewaterentitlementsandtransferstoLakeHumewillbemanagedtolimitdamagetolandholdersbetweenDartmouthDamandHumeReservoir.

(c)SpecificOutcome

Inmakingregulatedreleases,theAuthoritywillnotplantoexceedthemaximumregulatedflowbetweenDartmouthDamandHumeReservoir,unlessforthepurposesoffloodoperations.

(d)Interpretation

TheCommitteeadvisesthatthemaximumregulatedflowbetweenDartmouthDamandHumeReservoirshouldcontinuetobedeterminedby3.4mlocalgaugeheightontheTallandoongauge,whichisequivalenttoanominalflowof10000ML/day.

1.2.Airspacemanagementandfloodoperations

(a)Purpose

ToestablishanairspacemanagementandfloodoperationstrategyforDartmouthDamthatisconsistentwithO&Osub-clause4(3).

(b)SpecificObjectives

(i)FloodmanagementatDartmouthDamisconsistentwiththegeneralobjectiveforfloodmanagement4(3)(b)(iii).

(ii)AirspacemanagementatDartmouthDam,whethertargetoradditional,forthepurposeoflimitingdamagetodownstreamcommunities,shouldhaveminimalrisktosecurityofsupplyinbothHumeandDartmouthReservoirswithoutcompromisingtheintegrityofeitherDam.

(iii)DuringfloodoperationsatDartmouthDam,theAuthoritywillliaisewithrelevantagenciesinordertocoordinatethemanagementofthefloodingevent.

(c)SpecificOutcome

(i)AirspacemanagementatDartmouthDamwillbebasedonaveryhighprobabilitythatDartmouthwillbeeffectivelyfullpriortodemanddownstreamofHumeReservoirexceedinginflowstoHume.

(ii)AirspacemanagementatDartmouthDamwillnotresultinlessthanthetargetairspaceatHumeReservoir.

(iii)AirspacemanagementatDartmouthDamwillcontributetothemitigationoffloodingconditionsdownstreamofbothDartmouthandHumeDams.

(iv)CommunicationinregardstothemanagementofthefloodingeventbetweentheAuthorityandrelevantparties,includingweatherforecastingandemergencyagenciesandrelevantStateConstructingAuthorities,willremainaccurateandtimelyandkeepallrelevantpartieswellinformed.

(d)Interpretation

TheCommitteeadvisesthatpostfloodoperations,basedontransitioningtoworst-caseplanningwaterresourceassessment,DartmouthDamshouldbeeffectivelyfull(99%ofthetotalcapacityatFSL)whendownstreamdemandsexceedinflows.

1.3.MaximumrateofriseandfallinRiverlevelduringplannedregulatedreleases

(a)Purpose

ToestablishamaximumrateofriseandfallinriverlevelheightsforplannedregulatedreleasesfromDartmouthPondageWeir(Banimboola)thatbalances:

theconservationofwaterandminimisationoflosses(O&Osub-clause4(2));
thecontributiontothesafetyofcommunities(O&Osub-clause4(4));and
thecontributiontotheprotectionandwherepossible,restorationofpriorityenvironmentalassetsandecosystemfunctions(O&Osub-clause4(5))intheDartmouthDamtoHumeReservoirreach.

(b)SpecificObjective

PlannedregulatedreleasesfromDartmouthPondageWeir(Banimboola)willbemanagedsothatratesofriseandfallofriverlevelheightsinthedownstreamreachtoHumeReservoirdonotcontributetobankinstability,andtoprovidetimeforadequatewarningtoMittaMittaRivercommunitiesofsignificantchangesinriverlevelbetweentheDartmouthPondageWeirandHumeReservoir.

(c)SpecificOutcome

Inmakingregulatedreleases,theAuthoritywillnotplantoexceedthemaximumratesofriseandfallinriverlevelbelowtheDartmouthPondageWeir(Banimboola).

(d)Interpretation

Excludingfloodoperations,theCommitteeadvisesthattheAuthorityshouldcontinuetoimplementthefollowingmaximumtargetratesofriseandfallofplannedregulatedreleasesfromtheDartmouthPondageWeirwhenflowsarewithinthemaximumplannedregulatedrelease(section1.1);

MaximumrateoffallatColemansgauge[1](localgaugeheight)of:

(i)20mm/hourwhenwaterlevelatColemansgaugeisgreaterthan1.75mandtheBanimboolaPowerStationisoperatingnormally;

(ii)60mm/hour,butnotmorethan720mminany24hoursatallothertimes

MaximumrateofriseatColemansgauge(localgaugeheight)of:

(i)150mm/hourwhilethedepthatColemansgaugeislessthan1.25m;

(ii)100mm/hourwhilethedepthatColemansgaugeisbetween1.25mand1.75m;

(iii)50mm/hourfordepthsatColemansgaugegreaterthan1.75m.

1.4.Minimumplannedregulatedreleases

(a)Purpose

ToestablishaminimumplannedregulatedreleasefromtheDartmouthPondageWeir(Banimboola)thatbalancestheconservationofwaterandminimisationoflosses(O&Osub-clause4(2))withcontributingtotheprotectionand,wherepossible,restorationofpriorityenvironmentalassetsandecosystemfunctions(O&Osub-clause4(5)).

(b)SpecificObjective

MinimumplannedregulatedreleasesfromtheDartmouthPondageWeir(Banimboola)toprovideforriparian,amenityandin-streamneeds,willbemanagedtoconservewaterintheDartmouthReservoirwhilstsupportingenvironmentalassetsandecosystemfunctionsbetweenDartmouthandHumeReservoirs.

(c)SpecificOutcome

Inmakingregulatedreleases,theAuthoritywillnotplantofallbelowminimumflowratetargetsatColemansgauge.

(d)Interpretation

TheCommitteeadvisesthatthefollowingminimumplannedflowratestargetedatColemansgaugeshouldcontinuetobe:

Table2:MinimumplannedflowratestargetedatColemansgauge

Dartmouthvolume / Minimumplannedflowrates
Atalltimes / 200ML/day
60%DartmouthVolume<-70% / Averageof200-300ML/daytomanagewaterqualityandecosystemfunction.
70%DartmouthVolume<-80% / Averageof200-400ML/daytomanagewaterqualityandecosystemfunction.
DartmouthVolume80% / Averageof200-500ML/daytomanagewaterqualityandecosystemfunction.

TheAuthorityDelegateshallapprovereleasingatflowratesabove200ML/d.Actinginaccordancewithclause16(1)theAuthoritywillnotifyandconsideradvicefromtheWLWG(atleasttwoweekspriortoexercisingthefunction)ifitconsidersthataSouthernBasinStatemightregardtheriveroperationasbeingofparticularsignificance.

TheCommitteeadvisestheAuthoritytoconsidervariabilityinriverflowpatternsandlevelswhenmakingminimumplannedregulatedreleasesfromDartmouthDam,consistentwithSpecificObjectiveandOutcome12.8

Theaverageflowwillbecalculatedovertheperiodoftimethestoragevolumeisateachstoragerange.

1.5.Practicestobereplacedbythisdocument

(a)Regulatedreleaseof10000ML/dfromDartmouthDam-AssumedbytheMurray-DarlingBasinCommissionon1June1999,Meeting51,AgendaItem7,butincontextthiswasnotexplicitapproval(Practice8).

(b)DartmouthDampre-releaseoperation–WithintheoperationaldiscretionoftheAuthority(Practice38).

(c)DartmouthDamfloodoperation-WithintheoperationaldiscretionoftheAuthority(Practice37).

(d)MaximumrateofriseandfallofriverleveldownstreamofDartmouthDam-ApprovedbytheMurray-DarlingBasinCommissionon18-19May1993,Meeting25,AgendaItem17,(Practice16).

(e)MinimumreleasesfromDartmouthDam-approvedbytheMurray-DarlingBasinCommissionon18-19May1993,Meeting25,AgendaItem17(Practice10).

Objectives and outcomes for river operations in the River Murray system

HumeDamandReservoir

Table3:HumeDamsectionversioncontrolinformation

Version / DateApproved / Revisedby / Summaryofrevisions
1 / 14/02/2013 / ReviewoftheAgreementTaskforce / RiveroperatingrulesagreedbytheBasinOfficialsCommitteeatmeeting11(AgendaItem9.1)updatedtoensuretheyreflectcontemporarypracticeandareincorporatedintothecurrentgovernanceframework.
2 / 11/12/2014 / MDBAinconsultationwithWaterLiaisonWorkingGroup / TemporaryamendmentmadetotheSpecificObjectiveandOutcome2.2-MaximumrateoffallinRiverLevelforthe2014-15and2015-16wateryearstoreflecttheagreedrevisedratesoffallatBasinOfficialsCommitteemeeting30.ApprovedatBasinOfficialCommitteemeeting30(agendaitem15)on11/12/2014

2.1.Maximumplannedregulatedreleases

(a)Purpose

ToestablishamaximumplannedregulatedreleasedownstreamofHumeDamthatbalancesdeliveringentitlementsandwaterorderstotheSouthernBasinStates (O&Osub-clause4(2))withlimitingdamagetodownstreamcommunities(O&Osub-clause4(4)).

(b)SpecificObjective

PlannedregulatedreleasesfromHumeDamtodeliverStatewaterentitlementsandtransferstoLakeVictoriawillbemanagedtolimitdamagetolandholdersbetweenHumeDamandYarrawongaWeir.

(c)SpecificOutcome

Inmakingregulatedreleases,theAuthoritywillnotplantoexceedthemaximumregulatedflowbetweenHumeReservoirandYarrawongaWeir,unlessforthepurposesoffloodoperations.

(d)Interpretation

TheCommitteeadvisesthatthemaximumregulatedflowbetweenHumeDamandYarrawongaWeirshouldcontinuetobeaflowof25000ML/day(currently3.83mlocalgaugeheight)attheDoctor’sPointgauge[2].

2.2.MaximumrateoffallinRiverlevelduringplannedregulatedreleases

(a)Purpose

ToestablishamaximumrateoffallinriverlevelforplannedregulatedreleasesfromHumeDamthatbalancestheconservationofwaterandminimisationoflosses(O&Osub-clause4(2))withcontributingtotheprotectionand,wherepossible,restorationofpriorityenvironmentalassetsandecosystemfunctions(O&Osub-clause4(5))intheHumeDamtoYarrawongareach.

(b)SpecificObjective

ChangesinriverleveldownstreamofHumeDamwillbemanagedtolimitthepotentialforplannedregulatedreleasestocontributetobankinstabilitybetweenHumeDamandYarrawongaWeir.

(c)SpecificOutcome

Inmakingregulatedreleases,theAuthoritywillnotplantoexceedthemaximumratesoffallinriverlevelbelowHumeDam.

(d)Interpretation

Excludingfloodoperations,whenflowsarebetween12,000ML/dayandthemaximumplannedregulatedrelease(section2.1)theCommitteeadvisesthattheAuthorityshouldtarget:

(i)anaveragerateoffallof0.15mperdayovernomorethansixdaysatDoctor’sPoint,withamaximumrateoffallonanygivendayofnomorethan0.225m;and

(ii)anaveragerateoffallof0.20mperdayovernomorethansixdaysatHeywoods,withamaximumrateoffallonanygivendayofnomorethan0.225m.

Whenflowsarebelow12,000ML/dtheAuthorityshouldmakereleasesfromHumeDamtoatargetmaximumrateoffallinriverlevelbelowHumeDamof0.2m/day(8inches)atHeywood’sgaugeand0.15m/day(6inches)attheDoctor’sPointgauge.

2.3.Minimumplannedregulatedreleases

(a)Purpose

ToestablishaminimumplannedregulatedreleasefromHumeReservoirthatbalancestheconservationofwaterandminimisationoflosses(O&Osub-clause4(2))withcontributingtotheprotectionand,wherepossible,restorationofpriorityenvironmentalassetsandecosystemfunctions(O&Osub-clause4(5)).

(b)SpecificObjective

MinimumplannedregulatedreleasesfromHumeDamtoprovideforriparian,amenityandin-streamneeds,willbemanagedtoconservewaterintheHumeReservoirwhilstsupportingenvironmentalassetsandecosystemfunctionsbetweenHumeReservoirandYarrawongaWeir.

(c)SpecificOutcome

Inmakingregulatedreleases,theAuthoritywillnotplantofallbelowminimumflowratetargetsdownstreamofHumeDam.

(d)Interpretation

TheCommitteeadvisesthattheminimumregulatedflowtargetsdownstreamofHumeDamshouldcontinuetobe600ML/dayatHeywoodsBridgegauge[3]andanaverageflowof1200ML/dayattheDoctor’sPointgauge.

2.4.Airspacemanagementandfloodoperations

(a)Purpose

ToestablishanairspacemanagementandfloodoperationstrategyforHumeReservoirthatisconsistentwithO&Osub-clause4(3).

(b)SpecificObjective

(i)FloodmanagementatHumeReservoirisconsistentwiththegeneralobjectiveforfloodmanagement4(3)(b)(iii).

(ii)AirspacemanagementatHumeReservoir,whethertargetoradditional,forthepurposeoflimitingdamagetodownstreamcommunities,shouldhaveminimalrisktosecurityofsupplyinHumeReservoirwithoutcompromisingtheintegrityoftheDam.

(iii)DuringfloodoperationsatHumeReservoir,theAuthoritywillliaisewithrelevantagenciesinordertocoordinatethemanagementofthefloodingevent.

(c)SpecificOutcome

(i)AirspacemanagementatHumeReservoirwillbebasedonaveryhighprobabilitythatthestoragewillbeeffectivelyfullpriortodemanddownstreamofHumeReservoirexceedinginflowstoHume.

(ii)AirspacemanagementatHumeReservoirwillcontributetothemitigationoffloodingconditionsdownstreamoftheDam.

(iii)CommunicationinregardstothemanagementofthefloodingeventbetweentheAuthorityandrelevantparties,includingweatherforecastingandemergencyagencies,relevantStateConstructingAuthoritiesandtheRiverMurrayActionGroup,willremainaccurateandtimelyandkeepallrelevantpartieswellinformed.

(d)Interpretation

TheCommitteeadvisesthatpostfloodoperations,basedontransitioningtoworst-caseplanningwaterresourceassessment,HumeReservoirshouldbeeffectivelyfull(99%ofthetotalcapacityatFSL)whendownstreamdemandsexceedinflows.

TheCommitteeadvisesthatthetargetairspaceforthepurposeoffloodmitigationatHumeReservoirshouldbewithintherangeof30GL-386GLwhichisequivalenttobetween0.15m-2.0mbelowFullSupplyLevel.

2.5.Practicestobereplacedbythisdocument

(a)Regulatedreleaseof25000ML/dfromHumeReservoir-Murray-DarlingBasinCommission,1June1999,Meeting51,AgendaItem7(Practice9).

(b)ThemaximumratesoffallofriverlevelatHeywoods(8”/day)andDoctorsPoint(6”/day)-RiverMurrayCommission,18September1957,Meeting183(Practice17).

(c)Minimumreleaseof1223ML/dfromHumeReservoir,RiverMurrayCommission,5May1958(Practice11).

(d)HumeReservoirpre-releaseoperation,discussedbutnotexplicitlyagreedtobytheMurray-DarlingBasinCommissioninNovember1995(Practice35).

(e)HumeDamfloodoperation,withintheoperationaldiscretionoftheAuthority(Practice39).

Objectives and outcomes for river operations in the River Murray system

YarrawongaWeir

Table4:YarrawongaWeirsectionversioncontrolinformation

3.1.MaximumplannedregulatedflowthroughtheBarmahChoke

(a)Purpose

ToestablishamaximumplannedregulatedflowthroughtheBarmahChokethatbalancesdeliveringentitlementsandwaterorderstotheSouthernBasinStates(O&Osub-clause4(2))withcontributingtotheprotectionofpriorityenvironmentalassetsandecosystemfunctions(O&Osub-clause4(5)).

(b)SpecificObjective

PlannedregulatedreleasesfromYarrawongaWeirtodeliverStatewaterentitlements,waterordersand/ortransferstoLakeVictoriadonotcauseundesirablefloodingoftheBarmah-MillewaForestandseektominimisewaterlosses.

(c)SpecificOutcome

Inmakingreleases,theAuthoritywillnotplantocauseundesirablefloodingoftheBarmahMillewaForest byexceedingthemaximumregulatedflowthroughtheBarmahChokeunlessforthepurposesoffloodoperations.

(d)Interpretation

AtanytimewhenfloodingoftheBarmahMillewaForestisconsideredundesirable,theCommitteeadvisesthatthemaximumregulatedflowthroughtheBarmahChokeisthatflowwhichdoesnotrequiretheopeningofForestregulatorsorleadtotheuncontrolledovertoppingoflevees(thisisgenerallywithintherangeof2.6matthePicnicPointgaugewhichisequivalenttoaflowof~8500ML/day,orareleasefromYarrawongaWeirof~10600ML/day).

TheCommitteeadvisestheAuthoritymayexceedthemaximumregulatedflowthroughtheBarmahChoke,afterconsultationwiththeWaterLiaisonWorkingGroupandtheBarmahMillewaForestmanagers,forexample,toprovideSouthAustraliawitheitheritswaterorderorEntitlementflow.

3.2.FloodOperationsatYarrawongaWeir

(a)Purpose

ToestablishafloodoperationstrategythatprotectstheassetandbalancesmaximisingthewateravailabletotheSouthernBasinStates(O&Osub-clause4(2))withcontributingtotheprotectionand,wherepossible,restorationofpriorityenvironmentalassetsandecosystemfunctionsintheRiverMurraySystem(O&Osub-clause4(5)).

(b)SpecificObjective

DuringperiodsofTier1watersharingarrangementsandhighwateravailability,operationsatYarrawongaWeirduringafloodeventdonotseektomitigatethefloodbutallowthefloodeventtopasswithoutcompromisingtheintegrityofthestructure.

DuringperiodsofTier1watersharingarrangementsandlowwateravailability,Tier2orTier3watersharingarrangements,operationsatYarrawongaWeirwillseektomitigateafloodeventinordertoincreasewateravailability,withoutcompromisingtheintegrityofthestructure.

(c)SpecificOutcome

Theintegrityofthestructureisprotected. Floodsarenotmitigated,unlessinaperiodoflowwateravailabilityinordertosecurewaterresources.

(d)Interpretation

TheCommitteeadvisestheAuthorityshouldconsulttheWaterLiaisonWorkingGrouptodetermineifayearoflowwateravailabilityapplies.

3.3.ManagementofLakeMulwaladuringtheirrigationseason

(a)Purpose

ToestablishamanagementstrategyforLakeMulwalathatfacilitatesthedeliveryofentitlementsandwaterorderstotheSouthernBasinStates(O&Osub-clause4(2))duringtheirrigationseason.

(b)SpecificObjective

YarrawongaWeirisoperatedsothatwaterlevelsatLakeMulwalafacilitatethedeliveryofirrigationcanaldiversionsduringtheirrigationseason.

(c)SpecificOutcome

ThetargetoperatingrangeofLakeMulwaladuringtheirrigationseasonenablesdiversionstoYarrawongaMainChannelandMulwalaCanalattheirorderedflowrates.

(d)Interpretation

TheCommitteeadvisesthatthepoollevelofLakeMulwalashouldbehighenoughtoenablegravitydiversionstoYarrawongaMainChannelandMulwalaCanaltofacilitatethemeetingofdownstreamwaterorders.

3.4.SupportingsocialandrecreationaluseofLakeMulwala

(a)Purpose

ToestablishtargetwaterlevelsforLakeMulwalatofacilitatethedeliveryofentitlementsandwaterorderstotheSouthernBasinStates(O&Osub-clause4(2))andconsidersthesocialandrecreationaluseofLakeMulwala(O&Osub-clause4(4)).

(b)SpecificObjective

TargetwaterlevelsforLakeMulwalahaveregardtosocialandrecreationaluseoftheLake.

(c)SpecificOutcome

ThetargetweirpoolleveloperatingrangeenablesuseofLakeMulwalaforsocialandrecreationalactivities.

(d)Interpretation

TheCommitteeadvisestheAuthoritytoinformsocialandrecreationalusersofLakeMulwalaiftheLakelevelisforecasttobelessthan124.7mAHDbetweenBoxingDayandtheendofJanuaryorduringmajorsocialorrecreationalevents.

3.5.MinimumplannedregulatedreleasefromYarrawongaWeir

(a)Purpose

ToestablishaminimumplannedregulatedreleasefromYarrawongaWeirthatbalancestheconservationofwaterandminimisationoflosses(O&Osub-clause4(2))withcontributingtotheprotectionand,wherepossible,restorationofpriorityenvironmentalassetsandecosystemfunctions(O&Osub-clause4(5)).

(b)SpecificObjective

MinimumplannedregulatedreleasesfromYarrawongaWeirtoprovideforriparian,amenityandin-streamneeds,willbemanagedtoconservewaterinLakeMulwalawhilstsupportingenvironmentalassetsandecosystemfunctionsdownstream.

(c)SpecificOutcome

Inmakingregulatedreleases,theAuthoritywillnotplantofallbelowminimumflowratetargetsdownstreamofYarrawongaWeir.

(d)Interpretation

TheCommitteeadvisesthatundertheminimumplannedregulatedreleasetargetfromYarrawongaWeirshouldcontinuetobe1800ML/day.

3.6.Practicestobereplacedbythisdocument

(a)MaximumsummerwaterlevelatPicnicPointof2.6m-WithintheoperationaldiscretionoftheAuthority(Practice47).

(b)YarrawongaWeirfloodoperation-WithintheoperationaldiscretionoftheAuthority(Practice44).

(c)MaximumdrawdownlevelofYarrawongaWeir-WithintheoperationaldiscretionoftheAuthority(Practice48).

(d)Minimumreleaseof1800ML/dayfromYarrawongaWeir-WithintheoperationaldiscretionoftheAuthority(Practice46).

Objectives and outcomes for river operations in the River Murray system

BarmahMillewaForest

Table5:BarmahMillewaForestsectionversioncontrolinformation

Version / DateApproved / Revisedby / Summaryofrevisions
1 / 14/02/2013 / ReviewoftheAgreementTaskforce / RiveroperatingrulesagreedbytheBasinOfficialsCommitteeatmeeting11(AgendaItem9.1)updatedtoensuretheyreflectcontemporarypracticeandareincorporatedintothecurrentgovernanceframework.
2 / 15/11/2013 / BasinOfficialsCommittee / 4.1changedfromBarmahMillewaForestEnvironmentalWaterAllocationtoBarmahMillewaForestEnvironmentalWaterAllocationaccountingprovisions.
MinisterialCouncilrevokeditsoriginaldecisionatmeeting9(15/11/2013-AgendaItem16).ThisdecisionrecognisedthattheB-MEWAisabilateraldecisionbetweenNSWandVictoria.TheBasinOfficialsCommitteeapprovedarevisedSO&OaddressingtheaccountingissuesrelevanttotheMDBAtocomeintoeffectoncetheoriginaldecisionwasrevoked.

4.1.BarmahMillewaForestEnvironmentalWaterAllocationaccountingprovisions

(a)Purpose

ToensuretheAuthorityactstransparentlyinaccountingforreleasesfromtheBarmahMillewaForestEnvironmentalWaterAllocation(B-MFEWA)(O&Osub-clause4(6)).

(b)SpecificObjective

ReleasesfromtheB-MFEWAaredeterminedandaccountedforusingaconsistentandreliablemethodologythatisagreedbetweenNewSouthWalesandVictoria.

(c)SpecificOutcome

WaterisreleasedforenvironmentalbenefitwithintheBarmahMillewaForestandaccountedforinaccordancewiththeexistingarrangements.

(d)Interpretation

TheB-MFEWAisanagreementbetweenNewSouthWalesandVictoriafortheprovisionofenvironmentalwatertotheBarmahMillewaForest.ItislegislatedintheWaterSharingPlanforNewSouthWalesMurrayandLowerDarlingRegulatedRiversWaterSources2003andBulkEntitlement(RiverMurray–Goulburn-MurrayWater-FloraFauna)ConversionOrder1999.RelevantextractsfromthesedocumentsareatAttachmentA.

TheCommitteeadvisesthatreleasesfromtheB-MFEWAarecalculatedasthedifferencebetweenthereleasesfromHumeDamtomeetthetargetflowsandthereleasesthatwouldhavebeenmadetomeetallotherrequirementsotherthannewenvironmentalusesagreedafter29August2003.

TheCommitteeadvisesthatuntiloneState'sabilitytoreleaseisexhausted,releasesaresharedbetweentheStatesinamountswhichtendmosttoequalisetheState’sremainingBarmahMillewaForestenvironmentalwateraccounts(includingwaterthathasbeenborrowed).WhenoneState'sabilitytoreleaseisexhausted,watercancontinuetobereleasedfromtheotherState'saccount.AState'sabilitytoreleasewaterisexhaustedifallitsremainingaccounthasbeenborrowedoritsaccountisemptyanditsoverdrawlimithasbeenreached.

TheCommitteeadvisesthatforthepurposesofdeclaringperiodsofspecialaccountingunderclause123oftheAgreement,thenon-borrowedcomponentoftheB-MFEWAmustnotbeconsideredtobepartoftheNewSouthWalesorVictorianreserves.

TheCommitteeadvisesthatreleasebyaStateoftheB-MFEWAmustnotbetreatedasawaterdiversionforthepurposesofspecialaccountingunderparagraph125(a)oftheAgreement.

4.2.ForestRegulatorOperation

(a)Purpose

ToensuretheBarmahMillewaForestregulatorsunderthecontroloftheAuthoritycontinuetobemanaged:

(i)throughcommunicationwithappropriatestakeholders(O&Osub-clause4(6))

(ii)tocontributetotheminimisationofundesirablelosses(O&Osub-clause4(2));and

(iii)tocontributetotheprotectionand,wherepossible,restorationofpriorityenvironmentalassetsandecosystemfunctions(O&Osub-clause4(5)).

(b)SpecificObjective

BarmahMillewaForestregulatorswillbemanagedinacollaborativeapproachwithrelevantstakeholderstocontributetothehealthoftheBarmahMillewaForestandminimiseundesirabletransmissionlosseswhendeliveringwaterdownstreamoftheForest.

(c)SpecificOutcome

TheBarmahMillewaForestregulatorsareoperatedinacollaborativeapproachwithrelevantstakeholderstofacilitatedesirablewateringandtoprevent,asfaraspossible,undesirablewateringoftheBarmahMillewaForest.

(d)Interpretation

TheCommitteeadvisesthattheAuthorityshouldcontinuetoconsult,asappropriate,withrelevantstakeholderssuchasBarmahMillewaForestlandmanagers,NewSouthWalesandVictorianConstructingAuthoritiesandlocallandholderstofacilitatedesirablewateringoftheForest,andtominimiseasfaraspossibleundesirablewateringoftheforestandavoiduncontrolledovertoppingoflevees(seesection3.1).

4.3.Practicestobereplacedbythisdocument

BarmahMillewaForestregulatoroperation,withintheoperationaldiscretionoftheAuthority(Practice32).

4.4.Practicestoberevokedbythisdocument

MoiraLakesregulatoroperation-withintheoperationaldiscretionofNewSouthWalesNationalParks(Practice43).

Objectives and outcomes for river operations in the River Murray system

Edward-WakoolSystem

Table6:BarmahMillewaForestsectionversioncontrolinformation

5.1.UseoftheWakoolSystem

(a)Purpose

ToestablishaprocessforgainingauthorisationfromtheNSWConstructingAuthoritytousetheWakoolSystemtocontributetomeetingtheentitlementsandwaterordersfortheSouthernBasinStatesandminimiseundesirablelosses(O&Osub-clause4(6)),andtoprotectpriorityenvironmentalassetsandecosystemfunctionsintheWeraiandBarmahMillewaForests(O&Osub-clause4(5)).

(b)SpecificObjective

UseoftheWakoolSystemandtheRiverMurraytodeliverwaterordersdownstreamoftheBarmahChokeisconductedinabalancedmannerandinconsultationwiththerelevantstakeholders.

(c)SpecificOutcome

WatertobedelivereddownstreamoftheBarmahChokethroughtheWakoolSystemismanagedinacollaborativeapproachthatbalancestheneedtomeetwaterdeliveryrequirementsdownstreamoftheChokewithlimitingenvironmentalimpacts.

(d)Interpretation

Notapplicable.

5.2.EdwardRiverOfftakeOperation

(a)Purpose

ToensuretheoperationoftheEdwardRiverOfftakecontributestotheefficientdeliveryofwaterorders(O&Osub-clause4(2))intheEdwardWakoolSystemandRiverMurraySystemwhilecontributingtotheprotectionofpriorityenvironmentalassetsandecosystemfunctions(O&Osub-clause4(5))oftheMillewaForest.

(b)SpecificObjective

OperationoftheEdwardRiverOfftakecontributestothedeliveryofwaterordersandthehealthofthedownstreamenvironment.

(c)SpecificOutcome

TheAuthoritywillnotplantofallbelowminimumregulatedflowratesortoexceedmaximumregulatedflowratesthroughtheEdwardRiverOfftake.

(d)Interpretation

TheCommitteeadvisesthatthemaximumregulatedtargetflowoftheEdwardRiverdownstreamoftheRiverMurrayOfftakeregulatorshouldbeconsideredas2.46mlocalgaugeheight,whichisapproximately1600ML/day.

TheCommitteeadvisesthattheAuthoritywillnotplantoexceedthemaximumregulatedtargetflowthroughtheofftakeregulator,unlesswithspecificapprovalfromtheNSWCommitteememberinordertoachieveenvironmentalbenefitsortoassistinmeetingdownstreamdemands.

TheCommitteeadvisesthattheminimumflowtargetfortheEdwardRiverOfftakeregulatoris100ML/day.

TheCommitteenotesthattheEdwardRiverandGulpaCreekOfftakesneedtobeoperatedtogether.

5.3.GulpaCreekOfftakeOperation

(a)Purpose

ToensuretheoperationoftheGulpaCreekOfftakecontributestotheefficientdeliveryofwaterorders(O&Osub-clause4(2))intheEdwardWakoolSystemandRiverMurraySystemwhilecontributingtotheprotectionofpriorityenvironmentalassetsandecosystemfunctions(O&Osub-clause4(5))oftheMillewaForest.

(b)SpecificObjective

OperationoftheGulpaCreekOfftakecontributestothedeliveryofwaterordersandthehealthofthedownstreamenvironment.

(c)SpecificOutcome

TheAuthoritywillnotplantofallbelowminimumregulatedflowratesortoexceedmaximumregulatedflowratesthroughtheGulpaCreekOfftake.

(d)Interpretation

TheCommitteeadvisesthatthemaximumregulatedflowoftheGulpaCreekdownstreamoftheRiverMurrayOfftakeregulatorshouldbeconsideredas2.5mlocalgaugeheight,whichisapproximately350ML/day.

TheCommitteeadvisesthattheAuthoritywillnotplantoexceedthemaximumplannedregulatedtargetflowthroughtheofftakeregulator,unlesswithspecificapprovalfromtheNSWCommitteememberinordertoachieveenvironmentalbenefitsortoassistinmeetingdownstreamdemands.

TheCommitteeadvisesthattheminimumflowtargetfortheGulpaCreekOfftakeregulatoris80ML/day.

TheCommitteenotesthattheEdwardRiverandGulpaCreekOfftakesneedtobeoperatedtogether.

5.4.WeraiForestRegulatorsOperation

(a)Purpose

ToensuretheWeraiForestregulatorscontinuetobemanagedthroughcommunicationwithappropriatestakeholders(O&Osub-clause4(6))tocontributetotheminimisationofundesirablelosses(O&Osub-clause4(2))andtotheprotectionand,wherepossible,restorationofpriorityenvironmentalassetsandecosystemfunctions(O&Osub-clause4(5))intheEdwardsystem.

(b)SpecificObjective

TheWeraiForestregulatorswillbemanagedusingacollaborativeapproachwithrelevantstakeholderstocontributetothehealthoftheWeraiForestandminimiseundesirabletransmissionlosseswhendeliveringwaterthroughtheEdwardSystem.

(c)SpecificOutcome

TheWeraiForestregulatorsareoperatedinacollaborativeapproachwithrelevantstakeholderstofacilitatedesirablewateringandtoprevent,asfaraspossible,undesirablewateringoftheWeraiForest.

(d)Interpretation

TheCommitteeadvisesthattheAuthorityshouldcontinuetoconsult,asappropriate,withrelevantstakeholderssuchastheWeraiForestlandmanagers,theNewSouthWalesConstructingAuthorityandlocallandholdersintheeventthatEdwardRiverflowsarelikelytorequiretheopeningofForestregulatorsinordertoavoiduncontrolledovertoppingoflevees.

5.5.AuthoritywaterordersdownstreamofStevensWeir

(a)Purpose

ToensuretheoperationoftheWeircontributestothedeliveryofwaterordersoftheSouthernBasinStates (O&Osub-clause4(2))andcontributestotheprotectionofpriorityenvironmentalassetsandecosystemfunctions(O&Osub-clause4(5))oftheEdwardRiver.

(b)SpecificObjective

TofacilitatethedeliveryofwaterordersintheEdward-WakoolSystemwhilecontributingtothehealthoftheWeraiForest.

(c)SpecificOutcome

InrequestingwaterdownstreamofStevensWeir,theAuthoritywillnotrequireflowsabovethemaximumregulatedflow.

(d)Interpretation

TheCommitteeadvisesthemaximumregulatedflowdownstreamofStevensWeirwillcontinuetobe2700ML/day.

TheCommitteeadvisestheAuthoritymayrequestawaterorderthatexceedsthemaximumregulatedflowdownstreamofStevensWeirwiththeagreementoftheNSWConstructingAuthorityandontheadviceoftheWaterLiaisonWorkingGroupandtherelevantForestmanagers.

5.6.Practicestobereplacedbythisdocument

(a)EdwardRiverandGulpaCreekOfftakesoperation,withintheoperationaldiscretionoftheAuthority(Practice41).

(b)WeraiForestRegulatoroperation,withintheoperationaldiscretionoftheAuthority(Practice42).

(c)StevensWeiroperation,withintheoperationaldiscretionoftheAuthority(Practice52).

TorrumbarryWeir

Table7:TorrumbarryWeirversioncontrolinformation

Version / DateApproved / Revisedby / Summaryofrevisions
1 / 14/02/2013 / ReviewoftheAgreementTaskforce / ThepracticewasincludedintheRiveroperatingrulesagreedbytheBasinOfficialsCommitteeatmeeting11(AgendaItem9.1).PracticewasrevokedbytheBasinOfficialsCommitteeatmeeting20(AgendaItem5.2.2),duetotherenolongerbeingapracticetomaintainaminimumdownstreamofTorrumbarryWeir.

6.1.Practicestoberevokedbythisdocument

MinimumflowdownstreamofTorrumbarryWeir(Practice13).

Objectives and outcomes for river operations in the River Murray system

SwanHill

Table8:SwanHillversioncontrolinformation

7.1.MinimumwaterlevelatSwanHill

(a)Purpose

ToestablishaminimumwaterleveltargetatSwanHillthatbalances:

theconservationofwaterandminimisationoflosses,anddeliveryofentitlementsandwaterorderstotheSouthernBasinStates (O&Osub-clause4(2));
theprovisionofsocialandrecreationaluseoftheRiver(O&Osub-clause4(4));and
theprotectionand,wherepossible,restorationofpriorityenvironmentalassetsandecosystemfunctions(O&Osub-clause4(5))inthemidRiverMurrayreaches.

(b)SpecificObjective

MinimumwaterlevelatSwanHillwillbemanagedtohaveregardforwaterdiversionbypumps,maintainwaterlevelforboatingandsupportenvironmentalassetsandecosystemfunctionsinthemidRiverMurrayreaches.

(c)SpecificOutcome

TheAuthoritywillnotplanforthewaterlevelatSwanHilltofallsignificantlybelowtheagreedminimumwaterleveltarget.

(d)Interpretation

TheCommitteeadvisesthatthewaterlevelatSwanHillshouldnotfallsignificantlybelow0.6mlocalgaugeheight,unlessthelocalcommunityhasbeenappropriatelyconsulted.

7.2.Practicestobereplacedbythisdocument

Minimumwaterlevelof0.6matSwanHill-ApprovedbytheRiverMurrayCommissionMeetingon13June1979,Meeting268(Practice14).

Objectives and outcomes for river operations in the River Murray system

WeirandLockNo.10–WentworthWeir

Table9:WeirandLockNo.10–WentworthWeirversioncontrolinformation

8.1.MinimumRiverMurraycontributiontoflowoverWeirandLock10–WentworthWeir

(a)Purpose

TomaintainminimumRiverMurraycontributiontoflowsoverWentworthWeirthatbalancestheconservationofwater(O&Osub-clause4(2))withtheprotectionofkeyecologicalattributesandecosystemfunctions(O&Osub-clause4(5))inthereachbetweenEustonandWentworthWeirs.

(b)SpecificObjective

MinimumRiverMurraycontributiontoflowsoverWentworthWeirtomaintainwaterqualityandcontributetotheprotectionofkeyecologicalattributesandecosystemfunctionsintheRiverMurraybetweenEustonandWentworthWeirs.

(c)SpecificOutcome

InregulatingRiverMurrayflows,theAuthoritywillnotplantofallbelowcontributionflowtargetsoverWentworthWeir.

(d)Interpretation

TheCommitteeadvisesthattheAuthorityshouldcontinuetotargetacontributionofflowfromtheRiverMurrayoverWentworthWeirofatleast700ML/day.

8.2.Practicestobereplacedbythisdocument

DocumentedintheRiverMurrayWatersAgreement1982.HassincebeendeletedfromlaterversionsoftheAgreement(Practice15).

Objectives and outcomes for river operations in the River Murray system

LakeVictoria

Table10:LakeVictoriaversioncontrolinformation

9.1.LakeVictoriaOperatingStrategy

(a)Purpose

ToconfirmtheLakeVictoriaOperatingStrategy,whichbalancestheneedforLakeVictoriatodeliverentitlementsandwaterorderstotheSouthernBasinStates (O&Osub-clause4(2))withhavingappropriateregardtoculturalheritageandotherenvironmentalmatters(O&Osub-clause4(4)).

(b)SpecificObjective

LakeVictoriaisoperatedinaccordancewiththeLakeVictoriaOperatingStrategyandtherequirementsoftheAboriginalHeritageImpactPermitundersection90oftheNationalParksandWildlifeAct1974(NSW)tobalancewaterconservationrequirementsandprotectionofculturalheritageandnativevegetationrequirements.

(c)SpecificOutcome

RiverOperationshaveappropriateregardfortheprotectionofculturalheritageandnativevegetationrequirementsatLakeVictoriaandtheLakecontinuestobeaccessiblefortheefficientoperationoftheRiverMurraySystem.

(d)Interpretation

TheCommitteeadvisesthattheAuthorityshouldcontinuetooperateinaccordancewiththecurrentLakeVictoriaOperatingStrategy,andtoupdatetheOperatingStrategyasrequired,soastosatisfyrequirementsoftheAboriginalHeritageImpactPermitandso,maintainpermissionfromtheNSWGovernmenttooperatethestorage.

9.2.Inletandoutletflowrates

(a)Purpose

Toestablishregulatedinletandoutletflowratesthatbalancesthe:

deliveryofentitlementsandwaterorderstotheSouthernBasinStates;
managementofwaterquality(O&Osub-clause4(4));
conservationofwaterandminimisationoflosses(O&Osub-clause4(2));and
havingappropriateregardtoculturalheritagematters(O&Osub-clause4(4))atLakeVictoria.

(b)SpecificObjective

TofacilitatethedeliveryandconservationofwaterwhilealsoprotectingtheculturalheritagealongFrenchman'sCreekandRufusRiverfromscouring.

(c)SpecificOutcome

Flowsinto,andreleasesfromLakeVictoriaarewithintheallowedflowratestolimitscouringandgroundwaterintrusion.

(d)Interpretation

TheCommitteeadvisesthattopreventsalinegroundwaterintrusiontheminimumflowratefortheRufusRiveris700ML/day,notingthatintimesofhighwaterlevelsintheLakeorFrenchman’sCreek,groundwaterintrusionisnotanissueandminimumflowsarenotrequired.

TheCommitteeadvisesthefollowingmaximumflowratesofFrenchman’sCreekandtheRufusRivershouldcontinuetobedeterminedas:

Frenchman’sCreek(inlet):10000ML/day.
RufusRiver(outlet):10000ML/day.

Flowsabove7000ML/dayhavethepotentialtocauseerosionandshouldoccurinconsultationwithSouthAustraliaandNewSouthWales.

9.3.FullSupplyLevelofLakeVictoria

(a)Purpose

ToestablishaFullSupplyLevelthatbalancestheconservationofwater(O&Osub-clause4(2))withhavingappropriateregardtoculturalheritagematters(O&Osub-clause4(4)).

(b)SpecificObjective

ProtecttheculturalheritagealongtheLakeshorefromerosioncausedbyholdingtheLakeaboveFullSupplyLevel.

(c)SpecificOutcome

TheAuthoritywillnotplantosurchargeLakeVictoriaaboveFullSupplyLevel.

(d)Interpretation

TheCommitteeadvisesthattheFullSupplyLevelofLakeVictoriashouldcontinuetobe27.0mAHDandsurchargingtheLakeabovethislevelshouldnotbeplanned.

9.4.MaximumrateofriseofLakelevel

(a)Purpose

ToestablishamaximumrateofriseofLakeVictoriathatbalancestheconservationofwater(O&Osub-clause4(2))withtheprotectionoftheasset(O&Osub-clause4(3)).

(b)SpecificObjective

ChangesinLakeVictoriastoragelevelwillbemanagedtoprotecttheintegrityoftheLakeembankments,particularityaftersustainedperiodsofextendeddrawdown.

(c)SpecificOutcome

Aftersustainedperiodsofextendeddrawdown,theAuthoritywilllimitthedailyrateofriseofwaterlevelinLakeVictoriatoprotecttheintegrityoftheLakeembankments.

(d)Interpretation

TheCommitteeadvisesthattheAuthorityshouldcontinuetoimplementamaximumtargetrateofriseinLakelevelof0.05m/daybetween26.0and27.0mAHD.

9.5.ImprovingwaterqualityusingLakeVictoria

(a)Purpose

TomanageLakeVictoriainawaythatbalancestheconservationofwater(O&Osub-clause4(2))withcontributingtotheimprovementofwaterquality(O&Osub-clause4(4))ineithertheRiverMurrayand/orLakeVictoria.

(b)SpecificObjective

LakeVictoriawillbemanagedinamannerthatcontributestotheimprovementofthequalityofwaterdeliveredtoSouthAustraliaduringperiodsoflowerRiverMurrayflowandtotheimprovementofwaterqualityinLakeVictoriaandthemainchannelduringperiodsofhighRiverMurrayflow.

(c)SpecificOutcome

DiversionsintoandreleasesfromLakeVictoria,wherepossibleanddesirable,aremanagedtoimprovewaterqualityintheLakeortheRiverMurraydownstream.

(d)Interpretation

TheCommitteeadvisesthatthepracticeofusingLakeVictoriatoimprovewaterqualityoutcomes(suchassalinity,black-waterandalgalblooms)shouldcontinue,provided:

diversionsinto,andreleasesfromLakeVictoriadonotcausesignificantscour;
LakeVictoriaisfilled(ortotargetlevelsintheLVOS);
SouthAustralia’sentitlementflowismet;and
aminimumflowofapproximately500ML/dayisprovidedatLock9.

TheCommitteeadvisesthe‘high’and‘low’RiverMurrayflowsaredefinedasgreaterthanorlessthan11000ML/day.

TheCommitteeadvisesthatdivertingportionsofhighRiverMurrayflowsintoLakeVictoriaforsalinitydilutionwiththeLakemaypotentiallyimpactthehealthofthefloodplainbetweenLocks7and9.TheseimpactsshouldbeconsideredincontextoftheforecastsalinitydilutionbenefittobeachievedbyusingLakeVictoria.

9.6.Practicestobereplacedbythisdocument

(a)LakeVictoriainletandoutletcapacities-WithintheoperationaldiscretionoftheAuthority(Practice29).

(b)LakeVictoriasurchargelevel-WithintheoperationaldiscretionoftheAuthority(Practice30).

(c)MaximumrateofriseofLakeVictoria-WithintheoperationaldiscretionoftheAuthority(Practice50).

(d)FlushingusingLakeVictoria-ApprovedbytheRiverMurrayCommissionon2September1987,Meeting309,AgendaItem8.2(Practice5).

9.7.Practicestocontinuedespitethisdocument

LakeVictoriaOperatingStrategy-ApprovedbytheMurrayDarlingBasinCommissionon12March2002,Meeting63,AgendaItem20(Practice4).

Objectives and outcomes for river operations in the River Murray system

MenindeeLakesStorage(whentheAuthorityhastheabilitytodirectreleases)

Table11:MenindeeLakesStorageversioncontrolinformation

10.1.MaximumplannedregulatedreleasedownstreamofMenindeeLakesStorage

(a)Purpose

ToestablishamaximumplannedregulatedreleasedownstreamofMenindeeLakesStoragethatbalancesdeliveringwaterentitlementsandwaterorderstotheSouthernBasinStates(O&Osub-clause4(2))withminimisingundesirabletransmissionlosses(O&Osub-clause4(2)).

(b)SpecificObjective

RegulatedreleasesfromMenindeeLakesStoragetodeliverStatewaterentitlementsandtransferstoLakeVictoriawillbemanagedtominimiseundesirabletransmissionlossesdownstreamoftheStorage.

(c)SpecificOutcome

Inmakingregulatedreleases,theAuthoritywillnotplantoexceedthemaximumregulatedflowdownstreamoftheMenindeeLakesStorage.

(d)Interpretation

TheCommitteeadvisesthatthemaximumregulatedflowdownstreamoftheMenindeeLakesStorageshouldcontinuetobedeterminedby3.3mlocalgaugeheightatWeir32,whichisequivalenttoanominalflowof9000ML/day.

10.2.MaximumrateofriseandfallinflowratesdownstreamofMenindeeLakesStorage

(a)Purpose

ToestablishamaximumrateofriseandfallinflowratesforplannedregulatedreleasesdownstreamofMenindeeLakesthatbalancestheconservationofwaterandminimisationoflosses(O&Osub-clause4(2))withcontributingtotheprotectionand,wherepossible,restorationofpriorityenvironmentalassetsandecosystemfunctions(O&Osub-clause4(5)).

(b)SpecificObjective

ChangesinflowratesdownstreamofMenindeeLakesStoragewillbemanagedtolimitthepotentialforplannedregulatedreleasestocontributetobankinstability.

(c)SpecificOutcome

InmakingregulatedreleasesfromtheMenindeeLakesStorage,theAuthoritywillnotplantoexceedthemaximumratesofriseandfallinriverlevelbelowWeir32.

(d)Interpretation

TheCommitteeadvisesthattheAuthorityshouldcontinuetoimplementthefollowingtargetmaximumratesofriseandfallinflowratesatWeir32:

Table12:TargetmaximumratesoffallinflowratesatWeir32

Maximum rate of fall at Weir 32
FlowRange(ML/day) / Maximum rate of fall at Weir 32
Rateofchange(ML/day)
Minimumto5000 / 250
5000to9000 / 500
Above9000 / ConsultationwiththeNSWConstructingAuthority,relevantNSWagencies,andtheWaterLiaisonWorkingGroup.

Table 13: Target maximum rates of rise in flow rates at Weir 32

Maximum rate of rise at Weir 32
Flow Range (ML/day) / Maximum rate of rise at Weir 32
Rate of change (ML/day)
Minimum to 1 000 / 500
1 000 to 5 000 / 1000
5 000 to 9 000 / 2000
Above 9 000 / Consultation with the NSW Constructing Authority, relevant NSW agencies, and the Water Liaison Working Group.

10.3.MinimumplannedregulatedreleasesfromMenindeeLakes

(a)Purpose

ToestablishaminimumplannedregulatedreleasefromtheMenindeeLakesStoragethatbalancestheconservationofwaterandminimisationoflosses(O&Osub-clause4(2))withcontributingtotheprotectionand,wherepossible,restorationofpriorityenvironmentalassetsandecosystemfunctions(O&Osub-clause4(5)).

(b)SpecificObjective

MinimumplannedregulatedreleasesfromMenindeeLakesStoragetoprovideforriparian,amenityandin-streamneeds,willbemanagedtoconservewaterintheLakeswhilstsupportingenvironmentalassetsandecosystemfunctionsinthelowerDarlingRiver.

(c)SpecificOutcome

Inmakingregulatedreleases,theAuthoritywillnotplantofallbelowminimumflowratetargetsatWeir32.

(d)Interpretation

TheCommitteeadvisesthattheAuthorityshouldimplementthefollowingminimumplannedregulatedflowratestargetedatWeir32:

350ML/dayfromJanuarytoMarch;
300ML/dayinApril,NovemberandDecember;
200ML/dayfromMaytoOctober;and
500ML/daywhenevertheStorageabovetheFullSupplyLevel.
DistributionofwaterstoredwithinMenindeeLakesStorage

(a)Purpose

ToestablishaprocedurefordirectingthereleaseofwaterstoredwithintheMenindeeLakesStoragethatbalancestheneedto:

maximisethewateravailable,anddeliveryoftheentitlementsandwaterordersoftheSouthernBasinStates(O&Osub-clause4(2));
haveregardforwaterquality(O&Osub-clause4(4);and
contributetotheprotectionand,wherepossible,restorationofpriorityenvironmentalassetsandecosystemfunctions(O&Osub-clause4(5)).

(b)SpecificObjective

TodirectreleasesofwaterfromtheMenindeeLakesStorageinsuchawaythatpreferentiallyconserveswaterinthemostefficientandaccessibleLakes,withconsiderationtothe:

needtosupplyNSWLowerDarlingentitlements;
needtosupplyRiverMurraySystementitlements;
structuralintegrityoftheLakes;
evaporativelossesandwaterquality;and
environmentalandculturalheritagefeaturesoftheLakes.

(c)SpecificOutcome

WhendirectingreleasesfromtheMenindeeLakesStorage,theAuthoritymusttakeintoaccounttheimpactsofthereleasesonindividualLakevolumesandthereforeevaporativelosses,theaccessibilityandqualityofstoredwater,andtheenvironment.

(d)Interpretation

TheCommitteeadvisesthattheAuthorityshouldcontinuetobeguidedbytheNSWConstructingAuthorityandtheWaterLiaisonWorkingGroupwhentakingintoaccounttheimpactofreleasesonindividualLakevolumes.

10.5.Practicestobereplacedbythisdocument

(a)Regulatedreleaseof9000ML/dayatWeir32-withintheoperationaldiscretionoftheAuthority(Practice27).

(b)MaximumrateofriseandfallofriverleveldownstreamofMenindeeLakes-withintheoperationaldiscretionoftheAuthority(Practice28).

(c)MinimumreleasefromMenindeeLakes-approvedbytheMurray-DarlingBasinCommissionon11November1997(Meeting45,AgendaItem11)(Practice12).

(d)DistributionofwaterstoredwithintheMenindeeLakesStorage-approvedbytheMurray-DarlingBasinCommissionon11November1997(meeting45,AgendaItem11)(Practice6).

10.6.Practicestoberevokedbythisdocument

(a)SurchargelevelswithintheMenindeeLakesStorage-approvedbytheMurray-DarlingBasinCommissionon8-9August1989,Meeting8;AgendaItem14.2(Practice7).

(b)MenindeeLakespre-release(Practice40).

LowerLakesBarrages

Table14:LakeVictoriaversioncontrolinformation

Version / DateApproved / Revisedby / Summaryofrevisions
1 / 14/02/2013 / ReviewoftheAgreementTaskforce / ThisSpecificObjectiveandOutcomeisnotbasedonapastdecisionnotedbytheBasinOfficialsCommitteeatmeeting11(AgendaItem9.1).TheReviewoftheAgreementTaskforceagreedon17January2013thataSpecificObjectiveandOutcomeforthebarrageswaswarrantedandneeded,toacknowledgetheimportantcontributionoftheLowerLakesBarragesinoperationandmanagementoftheRiverMurrayinSouthAustralia.

11.1.OperationoftheLowerLakesBarrages

(a)Purpose

TooperatetheLowerLakesBarrages(thestructuresthatseparateLakesAlexandrinaandAlbertfromtheCoorongandtheocean)inawaythatbalancestheneedto:

deliverwaterentitlementsandmeetwaterdemandsinthereachfromBlanchetownweir(Lock1)totheLowerLakesBarrages(O&Osub-clause4(2));
SeasonalfluctuationofwaterlevelsintheLowerLakestopromoteecologicaloutcomesinfringingwetlandsandreducetheimpactofwave-inducedlakeshoreerosion;
contributestotheimprovementofwaterqualityintheLowerLakesandCoorong(O&Osub-clause4(4));
considersthesocialandrecreationaluseoftheLowerLakes(O&Osub-clause4(4));
contributestotheprotectionofpriorityenvironmentalassetsandecosystemfunctions(O&Osub-clause4(5));and
haveappropriateregardtoculturalheritagematterswithintheareaoftheLowerLakesandCoorong(O&Osub-clause4(4)).

(b)SpecificObjectives

RegulatedreleasesfromtheLowerLakesBarragesaremanaged,usingthewateravailabletoSouthAustralia,tobalancetheachievementofthefollowingobjectives:

ItshouldbeplannedforLowerLakeswaterlevelstobemaintainedabove0.35mAHDatalltimes,toavoidissuesofacidificationandtosupportcriticalecologicalprocesses;
mimicmorenaturalpatternsofconnectivitybetweentheLowerLakes,Coorongandtheocean,andtoprovidefishpassageandtheflushingofsaltandnutrientsfromtheRiverMurraySystem;
optimisewaterqualityandmitigateadversewaterqualityeventsintheLowerLakesandCoorong,includingbypreventingseawaterintrusionintotheLowerLakes;
facilitatepumpingandgravitydiversionsinthereachfromBlanchetownweir(Lock1)totheLowerLakesBarrages;and
enablesocial,recreationalandculturalusesoftheLowerLakesandCoorong.

(c)SpecificOutcome