Murray–Darling Basin Authority, Media Release, 14 September 2023
The Murray–Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) met on 13 September in person on Ngunnawal Country (Canberra). The meeting was chaired by Sir Angus Houston and all members were in attendance.
Prior to the Authority meeting, members had a very constructive visit to the Upper Murrumbidgee and were briefed on issues affecting the river by the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Government, catchment management representatives, local farmers and the Ngunnawal people. Members extended thanks to the ACT Government for organising the visit and for the very informative presentations delivered.
The Authority also met with the First Nations Leadership Group who had travelled from Country to meet in Canberra. There was a constructive discussion on how to establish long-term productive relationships. As a collective the First Nations Leadership Group will make valuable contributions into the future and the Authority committed to hold that input in the upmost importance. On behalf of Authority members, the Chair expressed gratitude, noting that in coming together to share experiences, caring for the Basin is enriched with the voices of First Nations people.
During the Authority meeting members acknowledged the introduction to Parliament of the Water Amendment (Restoring our Rivers) Bill 2023 on 6 September 2023 by the Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for the Environment and Water. Ms Lyn O’Connell, Deputy Secretary of the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water provided an update on relevant issues.
Chief Executive, Andrew McConville presented the MDBA’s internal 4-year operating plan to complement the 2023 Corporate Plan. The Authority noted the approach was built on an assessment of financial viability, organisational culture, efficiency and effectiveness and workforce capability and capacity. Members welcomed advice that the MDBA was moving to implement annual action plans to support execution of the 4-year operating plan.
Members were briefed on the progress of Murray–Darling Basin Sustainable Yield and the Sustainable Rivers Audit. The Authority noted the dependencies associated with this work for the Outlook, 2025 Evaluation and the 2026 Basin Plan Review.
An update on the progress of New South Wales Water Resource Plans (WRPs) was also provided.
- Sir Angus Houston (Chair)
- Professor Stuart Bunn
- Dr Jane Doolan
- Ms Roseanne Healy
- Mr Rene Woods
- Ms Susan Madden
- Mr Andrew McConville (Chief Executive)
