Major talks have outlined new plans for the management of the Murray-Darling Basin. 

Over 100 senior leaders from diverse sectors have gathered for the Murray–Darling Basin Leadership Summit by the Murray–Darling Basin Authority (MDBA). 

This two-day event aimed to foster collaboration and share perspectives on the sustainable management of the Basin, anticipating a critical review of the Basin Plan scheduled for 2026.

MDBA Chief Executive, Andrew McConville, highlighted the summit's role in continuing vital discussions with First Nations representatives, industry leaders, environmentalists, scientists, and community advocates. 

“In 2026 the MDBA will review the Basin Plan. The review is a legislated requirement and will inform recommendations to Government about the future management of the Basin,” McConville explained.

The review comes at a time of tension over water management strategies. 

“We know there are many values and interests when it comes to the Basin,” McConville said. 

“The diverse opinions on how water should be shared and managed is often a point of tension, but if we want rivers for generations, we must all work towards Basin management that can achieve this.”

The summit is part of a broader strategy by the MDBA to engage with communities and understand the complex dynamics at play. 

This involves regional community forums and meetings with state officials and interest groups. 

Insights from these discussions will be shared at the River Reflections conference in Albury this June.

The summit concluded with a consensus on several key areas, such as the importance of a healthy Basin, improved outcomes for First Nations people, and thriving local communities. 

Tanya Plibersek, Minister for the Environment and Water, attended the summit, and says the government remains committed to these goals.

The MDBA will soon release an Early Insights Paper, shedding light on the primary concerns and strategies ahead of the 2026 Basin Plan Review. 

This comes alongside updates from the Advisory Committee on Social, Economic and Environmental Sciences and efforts to enhance First Nations engagement.

As the summit wrapped up, MDBA and state leaders reaffirmed their dedication to collaborative governance and sustainable water management, aiming to secure the environmental and economic well-being of the Murray-Darling Basin for future generations.