RAMJO | Government organisation

RAMJO

Phone: +61 2 6023 8792

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25.01.2022 The current water storage infrastructure does not allow for predicted decreases in inflows due to changing weather patterns and periods of drought. The combination of decreased inflows into the MDB, combined with population increases59 and demand for water, paints a clear picture that critical intervention relating to water capture, storage, management and quality will need to be addressed to ensure all who rely on the MBD network can see a future where water security is guaranteed. Furthermore, RAMJO recommends additions to the number and capacity of dam storages across the Basin to address water scarcity now and into the future.

25.01.2022 Day two of the Local Leadership: National Priorities Murray-Darling Association conference is underway today.

24.01.2022 RAMJO are working towards greater stakeholder communication including the MDBA, Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder and State Government Departments in order to provide suite of transparency measures to demonstrate the effectiveness of its environmental water allocations and timing of flows across the Basin.

23.01.2022 We are excited to announce our partnership with ONE Basin CRC. ONE Basin’s objectives align with several of our regional strategic priorities, and an important aim for both our groups is a whole-of-basin approach to improving water security in the Murray-Darling Basin. Both our groups are working with the agricultural industry on issues like water trading and better farm water management practices. Finding ways to improve agricultural productivity through diversification, innovation and reduced reliance on water-thirsty crops is a high priority issue for both ONE Basin and ourselves. Read more in the article below.

23.01.2022 The NSW Office of Environment and Heritage’s Murray Murrumbidgee Climate Change Snapshot predicts an increase in maximum temperatures in the near future by 0.4 to 1.0 degrees Celsius. With a one-degree increase the average annual inflow in the Southern Basin could decrease by up to 22%. RAMJO recommends that the federal government provide meaningful and lasting leadership through a fund to the develop and maintain innovative agricultural practices that will be sustainable in a water-scarce environment (See Recommendation 8). Read more here: http://ow.ly/Im1o50CmnT2

22.01.2022 The Bureau of Meteorology has acknowledged at the 2018-19 summer was the warmest on record. Its modelling reveals that the period April to August 2018 was the highest on record for potential evaporation across the Murray-Darling Basin and this may continue. According to the MDBA ‘The atmosphere is warming, rainfall patterns are shifting, and extreme weather events such as storms, droughts and floods are becoming more frequent and intense.' RAMJO recommends science-driven comprehensive long-term evaluation to be undertaken, to determine the likely impact of climate change on Basin inflows and drought frequency and severity to assess water availability in the decades to come.

20.01.2022 Riverina and Murray Joint Organisation is at the forefront of supporting regional councils to work together to identify their local and regional issues, and then elevating these issues to the national agenda. This is a unique process that gives authority and co-operation that gets results. And we can't wait to share it with you! Come to the Murray Darling Association conference and hear all about collaboration with our 11 Councils and RAMJO's water position paper from Executi...ve Officer Bridgett Leopold: https://cvent.me/2PaGz2 #localgovernment #innovation #futurefocused #water #community #regional

19.01.2022 RAMJO calls for a trial of reduced or eliminated dilution flows to evaluate the effect of such reductions on salt levels. In addition, that salinity management dilution flows be reviewed, with a view to allow for flexibility during low salinity years. The results of managing salinity appear to be returning beau low salt levels, therefore an opportunity may exist to review the strategy and the dilution flows in conjunction with downstream volume commitments. Given the variable nature of the river system, some flexibility relating to the use of these volumes must be considered.

16.01.2022 RAMJO calls for consideration be given to a truly credible and independent evaluation of the most efficient way to deliver the environmental and downstream needs, given the massive evaporative losses incurred with that current system and the impacts of drought in NSW. This could include optimising the current irrigation infrastructure and systems which are already in place, such as piping and channels, or allocating a percentage to both the Darling and the Murray to deliver, allowing for flexibility in times of low inflows (such as drought).

14.01.2022 A new Regional Freight Transport Plan identifying key road infrastructure projects and strategies for completion has been announced for the southern Riverina and Murray areas. The plan will allow further funding opportunities to be pursued to create safer road and inland rail networks. To view the announcement in full visit: https://mailchi.mp//media-release-riverina-and-murray-frei... AlburyCity Berrigan Shire Council Carrathool Shire Council Edward River Council Federation Council Griffith City Council Hay Shire Council Leeton Shire Murrumbidgee Council Murray River Council Narrandera Shire Council

14.01.2022 RAMJO would like consideration to be given to opportunities that could exist to deliver multiple outcomes from one allocation of water. For example, an integrated water approach could be if dilution water could also be used for fulfilling the need of downstream entitlements or environmental flows. Read more on recommendation three of our water position paper here https://ramjo.nsw.gov.au/strategic-regional/water-security/

14.01.2022 Changes to the National Water Initiative are a must if you ask individuals and organisations in the water sector.

14.01.2022 One of our RAMJO Mayors, Matt Hannan, is completing a ‘Rolling on for Rural Health and Wellbeing’ challenge. He will be wheeling from Finley to Berrigan on Sunday 30th August 2020 in his wheelchair along with 8-10 members of the Finley Community Gym Inc. To donate, please click on the following link: https://gf.me/u/yqmwwp If possible, could you also please share this link through your networks.... For those that don’t know, Matt has been in a wheelchair for 23 years and has never let this define him or his ability. Through this event he will be raising awareness for: Mental Health particularly in Rural areas Physical Health and Well Being during the COVID 19 Pandemic Promote Diversity and all Abilities Promote the towns of Finley and Berrigan The Finley Community Gym was formed nearly three years ago and has always been about providing affordable access to the Gym through reduced memberships and free classes to both members and the general public. The Finley Community Gym over its existence has provided many opportunities to the community through, Dancing classes, Karate, PT opportunities, youth programs, rural women programs, subsidised entry for school communities and Boxing classes. The Community Gym wants to continue to provide these opportunities to our towns and wider shire. All proceeds raised through this wheel will go directly to the Community Gym to continue to provide free classes, update equipment and financially sustain the Gym in the Finley community for a long time to come. Thanks for all your support!

13.01.2022 The Murray Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) has forecast a reduction of inflows in the Murray Darling Basin catchments by 2030. The impact of this reduction is further exacerbated by the predicted increase in demand on water by 2031 across the Nation. This reality alone makes the issue of optimal use of water within the Basin of critical importance and underlines the need to evaluate future measures to supplement inflows and reduce system losses. Infrastructure projects such as dams, flow redirection and modifications in the lower Murray lie outside the scope of The Plan’s brief however constitute a challenge that must be addressed in a coordinated approach by state and federal governments. RAMJO recommends that investigation of mechanisms to redirect flow from northern river systems into the Murray-Darling catchment be undertaken.

12.01.2022 RAMJO recommends that options be explored to incentivise any future permanent plantings being based above the Barmah Choke, rather than below it, to reduce pressure on the Choke. This recommendation seeks to provide a solution to the ways that the Barmah Choke is causing damage to the environment and impacting on communities, including First Nations people whose culture is entwined with this area. This is a part of recommendation two which covers the Impact of Water Prices... on Agricultural Diversity and Security. The full version of the Water Position Paper and this recommendation can be found on our website, https://ramjo.nsw.gov.au Leeton Shire Council

11.01.2022 When spills occur, and environment needs are met, considerations should be given to reducing environmental allocations immediately following the event to permit more space for irrigator to secure water for the following years. As a part of recommendation 3, RAMJO supports that in the case of a spill event, a percentage of the spill will be deducted from the environmental entitlement holding.

11.01.2022 We are looking for an experienced Media and Grants Officer who has the ability to develop and implement a digital marketing plan to build brand awareness across our diverse range of responsibilities. Our ideal candidate will be adept at creating engaging social media content, writing media briefs and have the ability to collaborate with our stakeholders. Experience in completing and managing grant applications and funding submissions will be highly regarded. This is a six mon...th fixed term position with possibility of extension pending further funding. For further information please contact Bridgett Leopold, RAMJO Executive Officer, 02 6023 8792. Click link to see the job description and how to apply: https://ramjo.nsw.gov.au/about/careers/

11.01.2022 In unity with the Commonwealth of Australia's position, it is RAMJO’s view that the overwhelming scientific evidence for climate change as a real phenomenon now is undeniable, and that its impact will continue to worsen into the foreseeable future. For the Murray-Darling Basin, it will be manifested by increased average temperatures, more severe weather events, increased risk for disasters, shifts in seasonal rainfall patterns and progressively reduced inflows into the Basin.... RAMJO recommends that the federal government leads an evaluation of the impact of climate change on Basin inflows and losses to determine the feasibility of infrastructure and other interventions to stabilise and, if possible, enhance inflows and storage capacity into the Basin in the face of predicted future water scarcity. Read more here: https://ramjo.nsw.gov.au//Riverina-And-Murray-Joint-Organi

10.01.2022 This month we were excited to be able to be apart of the Murray Darling Association Inc 76th Annual Conference and AGM. Our CEO, Bridgett Leopold, was there to speak about RAMJO and our regional strategic priorities. If you weren't able to make it, the recording of the conference is now available on their website and below. https://vimeo.com/461676790

10.01.2022 RAMJO calls for consideration be given to an appropriate level of investment to maximise the delivery of water, including environmental water, around constraints, and without further degradation of natural waterways through erosion. For example, greater efficiencies could be achieved through the use of other rivers (e.g. the Wakool and Edward) and through the existing irrigation networks such as Murray Irrigation Limited (MIL).

09.01.2022 RAMJO recommends the federal government provides meaningful and lasting leadership through the fund to development and maintenance of innovative agricultural practices that will sustainable in a water scarce environment. See the full recommendation about the impact of the water market on agricultural diversity in the recent video by Cr Paul Maytom or in the Water Position Paper on our website.

09.01.2022 Recommendation 3 of RAMJO's Water Position Paper focuses on a suite of measures including stakeholder communication, spill event efficiencies, dilution flow reviews, loss reduction mechanisms, and optimising the delivery of water requirements be pursued to increase the current availability of water, and recognise unrealised gains as it relates to water availability. If you haven't already, go to our Water Position Paper to read this recommendation https://ramjo.nsw.gov.au//Riverina-And-Murray-Joint-Organi

06.01.2022 Horticulture, represented by permanent plantings such as nuts and annual high value crops such as tomatoes, is the most resilient sector based on economic return. However, this sector presents its own challenges in terms of water and food delivery, constraints and land use as discussed throughout our Water Position Paper. An example includes a company bordering the RAMJO region that successfully produces almost 50% of the processed tomatoes consumed in Australia. RAMJO supports the federal government acknowledging the critical role played by Murray-Darling agricultural production and its contribution to Australia’s GDP and food security.

05.01.2022 The effect of drought on irrigated agriculture is twofold. The reduction of rainfall combined with the scarcity or non- availability of water for irrigation renders much traditional agriculture impossible or unsustainable. Farming dependent on irrigated pasture (such as dairying) is the most vulnerable, and is evidenced by the almost total disappearance of dairying from within the RAMJO footprint. Those remaining are doing so while incurring year-on-year losses. RAMJO recommends consideration of reusing water based on international precedent and minimum standards.

03.01.2022 Multiple reforms are needed to work together to fix the water markets. Establishing limits or premiums on inter-valley transfers is an option for one of these mechanisms. RAMJO calls for a full review of the water market including inter-valley transfers. Full recommendation and the paper on our website https://ramjo.nsw.gov.au

03.01.2022 As a part of recommendation 3, RAMJO calls for an allocation of funds (other than buying water) into reducing evaporative, seepage and overbank losses would be a more efficient and collaborative mechanism for delivering downstream requirements. This is further highlighted in section 6 of this recommendation 3 which calls for consideration of opportunities to deliver multiple outcomes from one allocation. For example, dilution water also fulfilling the need of downstream entitlements or environmental flows.

03.01.2022 RAMJO has considered options which may address elements of drought preparedness as they relate to our communities including that the federal government, in collaboration with the states, leads the development of a comprehensive National Adverse Events Management Plan (incorporating a Drought Management Plan for the Murray Darling Basin). The aim of this option is to plan for, mitigate and manage impacts to the food bowl. This should include forecast risks such as a changing climate, reduced flows and unanticipated events that impact food security and local employment.

03.01.2022 RAMJO believes the further buyback of water for environmental use is incompatible with agricultural practices, and that the more efficient use of the available environmental pool will lead to improved outcomes. Read more in our solutions focussed recommendations in our Water Position Paper. https://ramjo.nsw.gov.au/strategic-regional/water-security/

01.01.2022 Cr Matt Hannan, Mayor of the Berrigan Shire Council gives an overview of Recommendation One, the Water Market, which is a part of our Water Position Paper. For the full recommendation go to https://ramjo.nsw.gov.au/strategic-regional/water-security/