Hello everyone, another busy month here at the MDBA.
At the end of last month, the Authority met with the Hon Tanya Plibersek, Minister for the Environment and Water. During this meeting an assessment of progress on implementation of the Basin Plan was provided.
The Authority advised there is no possibility under current settings that full implementation of the Basin Plan can be achieved by 30 June 2024.
We advised that it was important the challenges impacting the full delivery of the Basin Plan are quickly addressed to provide a clear pathway forward.
Last week Minister Plibersek announced, after many months of negotiations with Basin states, an agreement to deliver the Murray–Darling Basin Plan in full, including 450 gigalitres of water for the environment.
The agreement is between the Federal, New South Wales, South Australia, Queensland and the Australian Capital Territory governments.
Implementing the Basin Plan remains central to giving our rivers and the communities that depend on them the best chance of a healthy future. The ongoing commitment of Governments to implementation, and an agreement to do so is a significant and welcome announcement.
Recently, I had the privilege of attending the Garma Festival in northeast Arnhem Land as part of a Commonwealth delegation.
It is Australia’s largest Indigenous gathering. The 4-day festival celebrates Yolngu life and culture, showcasing art, song, dance and storytelling. I was grateful to have the opportunity to learn from the Yolngu people.
Attending Garma was the opportunity for me to stop, pause and reflect on the MDBA's relationship with First Nations people, and our contributions to delivering better outcomes for people and for Country.
This month we also had another round of Regional Community Forums where I shared the Roadmap to the 2026 Basin Plan Review. There was also plenty of discussion about the Murray–Darling Basin Outlook, Basin Plan Evaluation and Basin Condition Monitoring Program.
Basin communities hold generations of local river knowledge and experience.
Tapping into this understanding adds value to all levels of water management, and I extend my thanks to community forum members for contributing to our work.
Thank you all for tuning in I look forward to sharing another update with you all next month.