After a small break from his 4 years in the Murray–Darling Basin Authority’s (MDBA) engagement team, Josh Kirby is once again returning to the Goulburn–Broken as a knowledgeable and passionate Regional Engagement Officer (REO).
Widely known as the ‘fruit bowl of the Basin’, the Goulburn Valley supports a wide range of industries, with the predominant being agriculture and food processing. Of the 2.4 million hectares in the catchment, 1.4 million hectares is dryland agriculture and almost 300,000 hectares is irrigated.
With a lifetime of community connections and first-hand experience in generational farming in the catchment, Josh understands the importance healthy and sustainable water resources that support regional Basin communities such as the Goulburn–Broken.
Having been a representative for the MDBA for almost half a decade, Josh has been a knowledgeable source for the community through the Water Amendment (Restoring Our Rivers) Act 2023, the 2022–23 River Murray flood event, and will continue to be a conduit as we work towards the next Basin Plan milestone - the 2025 Basin Plan Evaluation.
The Evaluation will play a critical role in tracking and communicating progress and achievement against the outcomes set out in the Basin Plan, and will inform the 10-yearly review of the Basin Plan in 2026.
As we work together towards this next milestone, Josh’s core driver is focused on the generations to come ensuring they get to experience a healthy and functioning Basin.
“I don't want my kids and other children of the Basin to grow up around rivers and ecosystems that no longer function as they should,” said Josh.
“As we work towards rivers for generations, it’s important for communities to be attentive to issues and opportunities not just in their own backyards, but on a whole-of-Basin scale.
“It’s our role as the MDBA to bring these northern and southern Basin communities together and acknowledge the diverse voices that will contribute to the future of Australia’s largest river system.”
We encourage people to talk to us about their experiences, aspirations and concerns. We want everyone invested in the Basin to contact the Regional Engagement Team. Our Regional Engagement Officers have an impressive range of skills, experience and strong community ties. To provide feedback or keep up to date on this program, email engagement@mdba.gov.au.