The Authority granted an extension request from the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) to have until 31 December 2026 to complete their Long-Term Watering Plan (LTWP) to allow for meaningful consultation with scientific experts, community members and First Nations. This is ACT's first LTWP and the Authority agreed that the additional time would result in a higher-quality LTWP.
The Authority met with the Basin Officials Committee (BOC) and their alternates to discuss current work programs and relevant activities with a focus on the Basin Plan Review Discussion paper.
The BOC facilitates cooperation and coordination between the Commonwealth, the Basin states and the Murray-Darling Basin Authority in funding works and managing the Basin water and other natural resources.
Members were updated on the 2025 Sustainable Diversion Limit Adjustment Mechanism (SDLAM) Assurance Report and agreed for it to be published on the MDBA website in December 2025.
The MDBA has a statutory responsibility to undertake the SDLAM reconciliation by 31 December 2026. In the lead up to reconciliation, the MDBA has committed to conducting assurance on supply measure progress and publishing its findings.
Members considered the remaining sustainable diversion limit (SDL) initial assessments for 33 groundwater units and began consideration of surface water SDL resource unit assessments in the northern Basin. These initial assessments will be included for consultation through the Basin Plan Review Discussion Paper.
Members were updated on the progress of the draft Basin Plan Review Discussion Paper and noted the update on water quality issues and the intention to engage with First Nations further on this. The Authority also endorsed the Sustainable Yields and 2025 Murray-Darling Basin Outlook final reports for publication in late November.
Members noted that dry conditions continue for the River Murray and although Basin storage has risen in early spring, it remains slightly below the long-term average for this time of year.
Mr Daryl Quinlivan (Chair)
Mr Andrew McConville (Chief Executive)
Professor Stuart Bunn
Dr Jane Doolan
