Murray–Darling Basin Authority, Media Release, 23 February 2026
The Murray–Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) met for the first time this year on 19 February in Canberra on the Lands of the Ngunnawal people with all members present.
Members were briefed on the next steps required to deliver the 2026 Sustainable Diversion Limit Adjustment Mechanism (SDLAM) reconciliation and the actions required to make a determination on the final Sustainable Diversion Limit (SDL) adjustment amounts.
The Basin Plan requires the Authority to propose SDL adjustments to the Commonwealth Minister for the Environment and Water by the end of 2026.
Members met with the Independent Panel established by the MDBA in December 2025 to provide advice on relaxing flow constraints along the Murray River (upstream of the SA border) and connected Goulburn River.
Members received an update from the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) provided by Ms Edwina Johnson, acting Head of the Water Policy Division, and received an update from the Audit and Risk Committee Chair on the MDBA’s performance, governance, compliance and risk management.
The Authority was updated on the progress of the Menindee Review including the proposed approach the MDBA have agreed with the governments of New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and the Commonwealth to deliver the public consultation and options development phase.
The Menindee Review commenced on 11 February 2026 with a public launch in Menindee and the publishing of a Technical Report, Consultation paper and Issues paper on the MDBA website.
Members discussed how the Basin Plan Review Discussion Paper highlighted the water management and operational challenges at Menindee Lakes and the role the Basin Plan could play in seeking improved outcomes for Menindee Lakes and the Lower Darling (Baaka).
Members were updated on the progress of the Basin Plan Review including provisions for the Authority to appropriately consider all submissions received.
The Discussion Paper was released on 5 February 2026. The 12-week public submissions process is underway and will remain open until Friday 1 May 2026.
The Chief Executive and Executive Directors updated the Authority on recent activities with a particular focus on preparations for the consultation that supports the release of the Discussion Paper.
The Authority was updated on the upcoming Basin Leadership Summit to be held in Brisbane on 10 and 11 March 2026. This is the third Basin Leadership Summit hosted by the MDBA and will take place during the 12-week Discussion Paper consultation period as a key engagement activity intended to support and equip Basin leaders to engage with their communities on the Basin Plan Review.
The Authority was updated on River Murray operations noting increasingly dry conditions and outlook across the Basin. Recent operations have seen increased monitoring and the use of supply levers to successfully meet all demands in the Murray River given the extended heatwave conditions across the southern Basin in late January.
- Mr Daryl Quinlivan (Chair)
- Mr Andrew McConville (Chief Executive)
- Professor Stuart Bunn
- Dr Jane Doolan
- Ms Belinda Duarte AM
- Ms Roseanne Healy
- Ms Allison Mudford
- Mr Rene Woods
