Authority members were pleased to attend a gathering of more than 130 representatives from First Nations from across the Basin at the 2025 December Conversation. The Gathering provided the opportunity for the Authority to listen directly to the priorities of First Nations as preparations for the Basin Plan Review are finalised.
Members were briefed by the Australian National Committee on Large Dams on industry guidelines which guide appropriate practices in dam safety management across Australia.
The Authority was updated on key elements of the Basin Plan Review program including the outcomes from the recent Senior Officials Group workshop held on 13 November 2025 and progress on the processes of consultation to support the release of Basin Plan Review Discussion Paper in early 2026.
Members received updates on operational matters from the Chief Executive and Executive Directors. Members were briefed on current conditions across the Basin noting that dry conditions continue for the River Murray and its tributaries and that system inflows have tracked well below the long-term average in recent months. An update to the River Murray System Annual Operating Outlook will be published in coming weeks.
The Basin Community Committee (BCC) provided and update on current matters across the Basin. The BCC has provided valuable advice to the Authority during 2025 and ongoing feedback on key issues and concerns in Basin communities has helped guide the Authority in its preparations for the 2026 Basin Plan Review. The Authority will continue to engage closely with the BCC during the Review process in 2026.
The Authority considered matters being tabled at the Murray-Darling Basin Ministerial Council meeting to be held on 12 December 2025. The Chief Executive noted that a key focus for the MDBA at the meeting will be to update the Minister on progress towards the 2026 Basin Plan Review and to underscore the importance of the funding and management of the Joint Programs.
Members approved the updated Sustainable Diversion Limit Adjustment Mechanism (SDLAM) Register of Measures to be published on the MDBA website.
Members approved the Basin Plan Annual Report 2024-25 which summarises Basin Plan implementation activities and reporting for that term, for submission to the Australian Government Minister for Water. This year's report focusses on implementation highlights from the 2024-25 water year that were not fully captured in the 2025 Evaluation.
The First Nations people's participation in environmental watering 2024-25 report required under s.85E of the Water Act 2007 was approved by the Authority for provision to the Secretary of the Department. The report provides an overview on how holders of environmental water have considered the involvement of First Nations people, their values and uses over the last 12 months.
Being the last meeting of the Authority for 2025, members acknowledged the significant contribution of agency staff in continuing to run the River Murray System, in implementing the Basin Plan and in making good progress towards the review of the Basin Plan in 2026.
Members noted the important position of leadership the MDBA occupies in the community and the substantial work of staff at the MDBA in continuing to build trust and confidence in the work of the Authority across the Basin.
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
