Client: Murray-Darling Basin Authority
The Independent River Operations Review Group (IRORG) is an independent three-member group established by the MDBA. Garry Smith of DG Consulting has been appointed as a member of IRORG.
IRORG recently completed its first review of the MDBA’s performance in relation to river operations activities, covering the 2009/10 water year. IRORG’s terms of reference required it to assess the Authorities performance in relation to meeting the provisions contained in the Objectives and Outcomes for River Murray operations document developed by the Basin Officials Committee.
IRORG reviewed submissions from each jurisdiction involved in River Murray operations and conducted consultations with representatives from each jurisdiction to ensure all issues and views on key issues were properly identified and understood. It also reviewed detailed documentation provided by the MDBA and prepared a detailed report assessing the Authorities performance and providing key observations and findings on a wide range of activities including river operations, operational planning, water resource assessments, hydrometric monitoring, water accounting, liaison with jurisdictions and emergency planning. IRORG also reviewed the recovery of environmental water for the Snowy and the delivery of River Murray Increased Flow resulting from these water savings activities.