Foreword
I have pleasure in releasing the 2005–2006 Annual Implementation Report of the Basin Salinity Management Strategy.
During the year, all the Basin States established their end-of-valley targets, which were endorsed by Ministerial Council. There has been a substantial improvement in salinity management by the partner governments and the Commission through governance and reporting procedures. The conversion from the former Salinity and Drainage Strategy Salinity Registers to the new BSMS Salinity Registers was completed. In addition, the measured salinity levels at the Basin Salinity Target site (Morgan, South Australia) were well below the 800 EC threshold as a result of improved management and less salt being mobilised due to the current drought.
Management of salt interception works has progressed significantly. Of particular merit was the opening of Pyramid Creek Salt Interception Scheme Stage 1 (commissioned in April 2006) developed through a public–private partnership. This is the first scheme specifically designed to incorporate salt harvesting whilst providing a sustainable salt disposal facility. It now intercepts approximately 22 000 tonnes of salt per year from entering the river system.
The Independent Audit Group for Salinity conducted their fourth audit of the Strategy in November 2006. The task of the Independent Auditors is to review the MDBC and Partner Governments’ implementation of the Strategy according to Schedule C to the Murray-Darling Basin Agreement. I am pleased to include in this report the Executive Summary of the Report of the Independent Audit Group for Salinity 2005–2006.
Implementation of the Basin Salinity Management Strategy would not be possible without the cooperation of the Partner Governments. In particular, their work in preparing this report is greatly appreciated.
Wendy Craik
Chief Executive
Murray-Darling Basin Commission