More than 100 senior water leaders have met under one roof for a two-day summit hosted by the Murray–Darling Basin Authority (MDBA). They sought to collaborate, listen, and share diverse points of view on the Basin’s current and future management.
MDBA Chief Executive Andrew McConville said the summit of water leaders continued the conversation with First Nations people, industry, environmental, science and community leaders collaborating on the future of the Basin.
“In 2026, the MDBA will review the Basin Plan. The Review is a legally required step. It will inform recommendations to the Government about the future management of the Basin,” Mr McConville said.
“We know there are many values and interests when it comes to the Basin. Diverse opinions on how water should be shared and managed are often points of tension. If we want rivers for generations, we must all work towards Basin management that can achieve this.
“Implementing the current Basin Plan is essential, and full implementation over the extended timeframe through 2027 puts us – the environment, industries, and communities – in the best possible position to tackle future challenges.
“The Review in 2026 is that forward-looking piece. It’s our chance to do things differently to set the Basin up for the future.
“This summit is one of many ways we engage to better understand future challenges for the Basin. The MDBA continues to engage as we travel the Basin through regional community forums, with Basin state officials’ meetings with interest groups.
“We welcome input from all Australians. In June, we will share our early insights on the Review at the River Reflections conference in Albury and publish progress on our website.”
The outcomes of the summit will be shared on the MDBA website.
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