VISION To restore confidence for all stakeholders in the integrity - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

VISION To restore confidence for all stakeholders in the integrity of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan 2

ROLE/FUNCTION The Interim Inspector-General (IIG) will be a non-statutory role for a period of 12 months, or until a statutory appointment is made. 3

The IIG will: • Provide independent assurance over: (1) Basin Plan implementation (2) progress of water recovery (3) delivery of supply and constraint infrastructure projects; and • the Murray – Darling Basin Authority and Basin State and Territory governments compliance responsibilities under the Water Act 2007, the Basin Plan and water resource plans; 4

The IIG will: • ensure Australian Government agencies perform their functions and implement the Basin Plan; • establish processes for the receipt and assessment of allegations of non-compliance with the Water Act 2007, the Basin Plan and water resource plans; • refer instances of alleged non-compliance to appropriate authorities; and • engage with the community about Basin Plan implementation and compliance matters. 5

The IIG will report directly to the: • Minister for Water Resources, Drought, Rural Finance, Natural Disaster and Emergency Management on a needs basis; • Murray – Darling Basin Ministerial Council every 6 months. 28 October, 2019 6

THE PLAN The Basin Plan manages the Basin as a whole connected system and seeks to balance the needs of towns, agriculture, industries and the Basin’s rivers, wetlands and floodplains.

WAY FORWARD The IIG and staff will engage with Basin communities about Plan implementation and compliance. IIG will establish an office in Mildura to ensure staff gain a real understanding of how the Plan impacts the region. IIG will also have a presence in the north, with an office to be established in a northern Basin community. 8

The IIGs primary role is to provide independent assurance over Basin Plan implementation and ensure Australian government and Basin state governments meet compliance responsibilities under the Water Act. The office of the IIG will refer any matters of alleged wrong doing to the appropriate authorities, noting Basin states and territory governments have front line responsibility for implementing and enforcing compliance in their areas. 9

Whist we cannot drought – proof the Basin, we are committed to ensuring that all elements of the Plan are implemented effectively so that farmers and communities are better placed to deal with droughts when they happen. 10

QUESTIONS 11