The requirements in division 2 of part 3 have been redrafted to make them clearer and easier to implement. They explain how the quantity of actually taken is allocated so that use does not exceed the SDL, and how this is accounted for each year, including the use of accredited models. The requirements for water resource plans are set out in the proposed Basin Plan in a way that allows water resource plans to be prepared in the most appropriate manner for that area. To provide further assistance, the MDBA is preparing a handbook for practitioners in consultation with Basin states to provide guidance in the application of chapter 9 provisions and the preparation and accreditation or adoption of water resource plans, and respond to the needs of the States. Submissions expressed dissatisfaction that water resource plan requirements did not specifically require Basin states to consult with local communities when preparing water resource plans. RESPONSE MDBA supports comprehensive consultation with communities. A revised provision in chapter 9 requires each water resource plan to set out the consultation that has occurred in relation to its preparation and requires certain consultation to occur in specific circumstances. the various state planning frameworks that states will use to develop water resource plans for accreditation or adoption under the Basin Plan, stakeholder consultation is already a clear requirement to be reflected in the water resource plan. If MDBA is required to prepare a water resource plan (under the relevant provisions of the Act), then section 4.03 of the proposed Basin Plan requires that it do so on best ‘based available knowledge and in consultation with relevant stakeholders’. Also, chapter 9 of the proposed Basin Plan includes some more-specific provisions related to consultation: Part 6 of the chapter states that, in relation to environmental watering, the water resource plans must be prepared having regard to the views of local communities; and Part 14 includes provisions requiring the plan to identify the objectives and management outcomes desired by Aboriginal people for the water resources, having regard to Aboriginal values and uses for those water resources, determined through consultation with relevant Aboriginal organisations. A new provision in chapter 9 requires each water resource plan to set out the consultation that has occurred in relation to its preparation.
The requirements in division 2 of part 3 have been redrafted to make them clearer and easier to implement. They explain how the quantity of actually taken is allocated so that use does not exceed the SDL, and how this is accounted for each year, including the use of accredited models. The requirements for water resource plans are set out in the proposed Basin Plan in a way that allows water resource plans to be prepared in the most appropriate manner for that area. To provide further assistance, the MDBA is preparing a handbook for practitioners in consultation with Basin states to provide guidance in the application of chapter 9 provisions and the preparation and accreditation or adoption of water resource plans, and respond to the needs of the States. Submissions expressed dissatisfaction that water resource plan requirements did not specifically require Basin states to consult with local communities when preparing water resource plans. RESPONSE MDBA supports comprehensive consultation with communities. A revised provision in chapter 9 requires each water resource plan to set out the consultation that has occurred in relation to its preparation and requires certain consultation to occur in specific circumstances. the various state planning frameworks that states will use to develop water resource plans for accreditation or adoption under the Basin Plan, stakeholder consultation is already a clear requirement to be reflected in the water resource plan. If MDBA is required to prepare a water resource plan (under the relevant provisions of the Act), then section 4.03 of the proposed Basin Plan requires that it do so ‘based on best available knowledge and in consultation with relevant stakeholders’. Also, chapter 9 of the proposed Basin Plan includes some more-specific provisions related to consultation: Part 6 of the chapter states that, in relation to environmental watering, the water resource plans must be prepared having regard to the views of local communities; and Part 14 includes provisions requiring the plan to identify the objectives and management outcomes desired by Aboriginal people for the water resources, having regard to Aboriginal values and uses for those water resources, determined through consultation with relevant Aboriginal organisations. A new provision in chapter 9 requires each water resource plan to set out the consultation that has occurred in relation to its preparation.
PBP_Consultation_report.docx