Murray–Darling Basin Authority, Media Release, 11 October 2023
The Murray–Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) met on 11 October in person on Ngunnawal Country (Canberra). The meeting was chaired by Sir Angus Houston and all members were present.
Having returned from a 4-day listening tour of the lower Murray across South Australia and Victoria, Sir Angus shared reflections from farmers, local governments, First Nations, and communities impacted by the 2022 and 2023 floods who now face the prospect of hot and drying conditions. Members also acknowledged the Bureau of Meteorology declaration on 19 September 2023 of El Niño and a positive Indian Ocean Dipole.
Authority members noted significant rainfall across the Basin within the past week had impacted communities in southern Victoria and supported a return to unregulated flows in the Murray River. The MDBA’s water releases from Menindee Lakes were discussed in context of this significant rain event and the Authority then discussed the broader long-term issues and challenges of managing the Lower Darling (Baaka).
Members welcomed the attendance of Adjunct Professor Bill Young, incoming Chair of the MDBA Advisory Committee of Social, Economic and Environmental Sciences (ACSEES).
The Authority recognised the important role Adj Prof Young had assumed since his appointment in August and noted the ACSEES Chair would guide the provision of specialist independent advice across water-related research and analysis to the MDBA over the forward 3-year term. Adj Prof Young provided an update on the progress of recruitment undertaken to shortlist potential candidates to refresh and potentially extend the membership of ACSEES.
During the meeting, Authority members considered and approved the Annual Water Take Report 2021–22 with public release anticipated in the coming weeks. Members received an update and noted the continued support provided by the MDBA as the Productivity Commission finalises the interim report on Murray–Darling Basin Plan: Implementation Review 2023.
Members received a briefing from Ms Lyn O’Connell, Deputy Secretary of the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water on the progress of and recent engagements undertaken in relation to the Water Amendment (Restoring our Rivers) Bill 2023.
Members welcomed updates on a range of programs and measures contributing to 2026 Basin Plan Review including the Sustainable Rivers Audit and agreed to appoint an Evaluation Advisory Panel to support delivery of the 2025 Evaluation.
Sir Angus Houston (Chair)
Professor Stuart Bunn
Dr Jane Doolan
Ms Roseanne Healy
Mr Rene Woods
Ms Susan Madden
Mr Andrew McConville (Chief Executive)
Read more about the Authority members.
