The Authority considered the progress of the 12-week consultation of the Basin Plan Review Discussion Paper which is open until 1 May 2026. Engagement has occurred with more than 2,700 participants through over 200 interactions across Basin communities. This includes meetings, visits, roundtables and a Basin Leadership Summit with industry, community members, First Nations people, Basin governments youth and other representatives.
The Authority received an update from Ms Edwina Johnson, Acting Deputy Secretary, Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water on matters relevant to the Authority. Discussion centred on community feedback on the Basin Plan Review, progress on the review of the Water Act (2007) and other reviews underway, and possible outcomes from the SDLAM Reconciliation to be undertaken by the Authority before the ed of 2026.
Dr Kirsten Shelly, Deputy Secretary for Water and Catchments at the Victorian Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action and Ms Jane Ryan, Director, Regional Water Planning & Partnerships, spoke to the Authority and focused on matters relevant to both Victoria and the MDBA, including Basin Plan Review consultation and strengthening coordination between Victorian officials, Basin Officials and Authority members.
River Management executives updated the Authority with the Joint Programs multi-year budget process and provided a briefing on risks associated with the Joint Venture asset portfolio.
Members were briefed by the independent panel advising on the relaxation of constraints in the Murray and Goulburn rivers. The panel is scheduled to provide their report to Ministerial Council by the end of May 2026. Discussion centred on issues impeding progress on constraints relaxation to date, and options moving forward that may be relevant to the Basin Plan Review.
The Authority approved updates to the Sustainable Diversion Limit Adjustment Mechanism (SDLAM) Register of Measures (ROM) to be published on the MDBA website.
Members received an update from Professor Bill Young Chair of the Advisory Committee for Social, Economic and Environmental Sciences (ACSEES) following their recent meeting. The Authority endorsed the reappointment of 4 ACSEES members, including Professor Young, through to 31 December 2026.
The Basin Community Committee (BCC) Chair Ms Rachel Kelly addressed members on current matters across the Basin including feedback on the Basin Plan Review and on community consultation. The BCC continues to provide valuable advice to the Authority with feedback on key issues and concerns in Basin communities helping to guide the Authority during the Review process.
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
