The Basin Officials Committee (BOC) discussed preparations for the upcoming Water and Murray-Darling Basin Ministerial Council meeting, scheduled for 12 December 2025 in Brisbane, Queensland.
The Chair of the Basin Community Committee (BCC) joined the meeting virtually and provided an update on recent BCC meetings. The BCC Chair raised specific matters in relation to catchment management, flow shares, maximising outcomes from available water, and the upcoming Basin Plan Review. Members noted a progress update on recruitment of an additional First Nations member to the BCC.
The BOC received updates on Sustainable Diversion Limit Adjustment Mechanism (SDLAM) assurance work and reconciliation timing. The Committee noted the completion dates for the following SDLAM projects:
- South Australian Chowilla Floodplain TLM Project
- South Australian Constraints Focus Area
- South Australian Riverland Floodplain Integrated Infrastructure Program
- South Australian South East Flows Restoration Project.
The Committee noted progress from the Northern Basin Toolkit Project Committee on the implementation of Toolkit measures and projects.
Members provided updates on Basin Plan implementation activities.
The BOC discussed findings from the Constraints Roadmap and related work, including the imminent appointment of an independent advisory panel to support constraints relaxation in the Murray-Goulburn.
The BOC received progress updates on the upcoming Statutory Review of the Inspector-General of Water Compliance and review of the Water Act 2007 (Cth).
Members considered the assurance report for the North-South Connectivity Trial and agreed to extend the Trial for the next three years.
The BOC discussed the approach to 2026-27 Joint Programs multi-year budget negotiations and the risks to crucial joint venture assets.
Members discussed the progress of major and significant projects being delivered through the River Murray Operations Assets program and current works.
The BOC supported the package of deliverables for scoping of the Menindee Review and agreed to progress the review which will include establishing desired outcomes for future operating arrangements of the lakes and exploring options to achieve the desired future state, including upcoming consultation with the community.
Finally, the BOC discussed the way forward with ongoing engagement and future development of the 2026 Basin Plan Review and reflected on the constructive meeting with the Authority board on 6 November 2025.
BOC will next meet in March 2026.
