MDBA chief executive Andrew McConville said the reconciliation is a process prescribed in the Basin Plan.
“The reconciliation is about independently assessing the evidence and applying the requirements of the Basin Plan,” he said.
“It is robust, accurate and based on the best available information.
“Providing the opportunity for public submissions is a requirement of the reconciliation process and will help ensure the final determination will be completed accurately and informed by the best available information.”
The 2026 Draft SDLAM Determination Report assumes that 22 of the originally notified 39 measures will be in operation at the December 31, 2026 legislative deadline and shows a reduced supply contribution of 340 gigalitres per year, representing a shortfall of 265 gigalitres per year against the current 605 gigalitres per year SDL adjustment originally forecast.
The draft determination also includes an expected 221 gigalitres per year of efficiency measures and additional held environmental water contributing to the 450 gigalitre additional water for the environment recovery target.
It updates the assessment made in 2017 to reflect changes that have occurred during implementation, including amendments to projects, newly notified measures and the contribution of additional held environmental water.
“The proposed adjustments in this report are considered draft until our reconciliation process has been fully scrutinised”, Mr McConville said.
“It’s our responsibility to independently assess the evidence and complete the reconciliation by December 31, 2026 as required by the Basin Plan.
“Decisions about future water recovery policy or responses to the reconciliation are matters for Basin governments.
“This consultation is seeking views on whether the draft determination correctly applies the evidence and reconciliation framework set out in the Basin Plan.”
When making a submission, comments are invited on the analysis, findings, assumptions and conclusions set out in the draft determination report and accompanying reports.
Following the consideration of all submissions and other relevant information, the MDBA will finalise its determination and provide Basin Plan amendments to give effect to the adjustments, to the Australian Government Minister for Water by the deadline.
Submissions opened on October 1 and close November 1.
More information, including how to make a submission, is available on the MDBA website.
