Murray Darling Association Inc

11/08/2026

Water users working together for our Basin's Future!

Join Local Government, industry, scientists, Traditional owners, and State and Federal Government at the 2026 National Conference in Shepparton, 24-27 August, and unite the voices from across the Murray-Darling Basin to develop practical solutions for thriving communities, sustainable productivity and a healthy ecosystem.

With the Basin Plan Review in full swing and the Water Act Review in sight, the Conference brings a strong focus on the opportunities and solutions raised in the 700+ submissions raised to Government and Authority on how to improve the Murray-Darling Basin Plan to ensure the underlying socio-economic-environmental balance.

The conference will feature keynote speakers and panel sessions including industry heads, State and Federal Government representatives, as well as scientists and educators presenting on topical issues that affect the Murray-Darling Basin water resources and communities!

Workshop sessions will address the Basin Plan Review, Water Act Review, Environmental Water, Carp Management and Water Quality, SDLAM Reconciliation, Integrated Catchment Management, Water Scarcity and Water Security, and Basin Plan socio-economic impact measurement.

The Murray Darling Association invites all those who care about the Basin's future to join the conversation in Shepparton this August.

Join us in Shepparton 24-27 August 2026 and take part to establish a baseline of understanding of what a way forward looks like for the Basin, understand the impacts of Basin riversystem health on tourism and communities, delve into what can be achieved for the environment and communities, and identify obstacles impeding the completion of Basin projects and achieving water quality and security goals for critical communities!

To find out more, and to register, go to www.mda.asn.au/events/2026natcon

04/08/2026

Basin Bulletin: Issue 77

Local Government. Community. Industry. Working together for our Basin's Future!

https://mailchi.mp/a6d9ee64a7bc/basin-bulletin-issue-14201128

01/07/2026

The Murray Darling Association is presenting as part of a One Basin CRC sponsored webinar today at 1:00PM (AEST).

The Webinar is addressing "From Consultation to Capability - the 'How' of Local Empowerment in Water Decision-making".

"Local empowerment is increasingly recognised as a critical component of effective water and regional decision-making. Building on the earlier One Basin CRC discussion on Empowering Local Communities, this webinar will focus on the practical considerations that support meaningful participation beyond traditional consultation processes."

The panel discussion will explore topics including:
• Building trusted relationships and effective facilitation
• Governance arrangements that support participation
• Evidence, capability, and adaptive decision-making
• First Nations perspectives and engagement
• Linking local priorities with broader water policy responsibilities

Presented by
• Bernadette Torresan
• Caroline Rosello
• Michael Spencer
• Shari Blumer
• Edwina Hayes

Date: Wednesday, 1 July 2026
Time: 1:00 PM (Sydney/ Australia time)

To take part, and engage, Register now via:

Sponsored by One Basin CRC One Basin CRC is a collaborative effort involving 85+ partners, including Texas A&M University, dedicated to building a productive, resilient and sustainable Murray-Darling Basin. The Australian Water School, a business unit of Water Research Australia, proudly stands amon...

24/06/2026

The Murray-Darling Basin Authority has released its "What We Heard Report," summarising its findings from the Basin Plan's public consultation period.

With around 2500 submissions received, over 2900 people consulted (including over 500 First Nations peoples & groups, and around 100 towns & regional centres visited), the report outline a number of primary themes, including:
- Water for the Environment,
- Climate Change,
- Initial SDL assessments,
- Native Fish, and
- Water Quality

The Murray Darling Association's submission included 16 recommendations across four key themes:
- Water Quality,
- Governance,
- Environmental Outcomes, and
- Community Impact

Basin advocacy doesn't end with this report — join us in Shepparton, 24-27 August 2026, to unite the voice of the Basin, shine a spotlight on the solutions within the submissions, and ensure the new Basin Plan reflects a social, economic, and environmental balance.

Earlybird ends 30 June 2026
www.mda.asn.au/events/2026natcon

17/06/2026

MDA National Conference 2026

Working together for our Basin's Future!

✔ Connect
✔ Collaborate
✔ Influence

24–27 August 2026, Shepparton VIC

Register now at: mda.asn.au/events/2026natcon

Early Bird ends 30 June 2026

12/06/2026

Its your future!
Have a say on the Basin's future, 24 AUG - 27 AUG 2026

Join water policy leaders, scientists, communities and Local Government from across the Murray-Darling Basin in Shepparton VIC For the Murray Darling Association's National Conference!

Engage in workshops discussing critical issues including:
- The Basin Plan Review
- Carp Management and Water Quality
- Water Security for everyone
- SDLAM Reconciliation and Constraints
- Integrated Catchment Management
- Basin Socio-Economics

REGISTER NOW: www.mda.asn.au/events/2026natcon

Earlybird ends 30 June 2026.

15/05/2026

Working towards our Basin's future!

With submissions closed for the Basin Plan Review, the Murray-Darling Basin Authority has received OVER 2,400 submissions from Councils, Businesses, Stakeholder groups, community groups, and individuals concerned about what the future will hold for the Murray-Darling Basin and its communities.

Many submissions went beyond formal responses, sharing personal stories, lived experiences and practical ideas for the future, contributions that will play a critical role in shaping the future of the Basin Plan.

As the focus of the Basin Authority shifts towards analysing this critical feedback, the Murray Darling Association continues to ensure that the voices of Basin communities are heard at a state, and federal level, and that the future of the Basin Plan reflects a socio-economic-environmental balance.

Read more here: https://www.mdba.gov.au/news-and-events/newsroom/consultation-closes-next-phase-begins-basin-plan-review =b9e9c290-e2d7-4985-bdf2-20ad94cc0300&msdynmkt_prefill=mktprf76815eb50d0e43f2bef1f9fd922a3ccaeoprf

View MDBA CEO's update here: https://public-oce.mkt.dynamics.com/api/orgs/18c6513d-1927-4d09-8c8e-8974068ea7ab/r/kMLpudfihUm98iCtlMwDAAcAAAA?msdynmkt_target=%7B%22TargetUrl%22%3A%22https%253A%252F%252Fwww.mdba.gov.au%252Fnews-and-events%252Fnewsroom%252Fchief-executive-update-may-2026%22%2C%22RedirectOptions%22%3A%7B%226%22%3A%22mktprf76815eb50d0e43f2bef1f9fd922a3ccaeoprf%22%2C%221%22%3Anull%7D%7D&msdynmkt_digest=NjawvHPixZPaD3QctF%2FVxMTyC2rzgc1otzCf%2BN4%2BLqY%3D&msdynmkt_secretVersion=6d23f24cdfa04f32aeb95f73474cb587

Basin Plan Review Newsletter From on the ground conversations in more than 90 communities to around 2,500 submissions, Basin communities have had their say on the future of the Basin Plan and water management. Their feedback is now helping shape the 2026 Basin Plan Review. After 12 weeks of extensiv...

11/05/2026

Its your future! Have a say on the Basin's future, 24 AUG - 27 AUG 2026

Join water policy leaders, scientists, communities and governments from across the Murray-Darling Basin in Shepparton VIC For the Murray Darling Association's National Conference!

Discuss hot topics including:
- The Basin Plan Review: Where to from here?
- Water Security: long-term strategies for climate resilient communities
- Water Quality: On-the-ground solutions for healthier Basin waterways

REGISTER NOW: www.mda.asn.au/events/2026natcon

07/05/2026

MDA National President, Cr Shari Blumer, spoke on water purchasing, noting that water buybacks had decimated economic productivity in their hometown of Griffith, and the wider Riverina Region.

"When water buybacks first happened in 2012, Griffith lost $200m of gross regional product, which was about 15% of our activity" she said. "Such intervention destroys agricultural industry and makes water significantly more expensive."

Ms Blumer said Australia’s agricultural sector was facing an existential crisis.

Water buybacks initiated under the Plan had driven up the cost of water, leaving those still on the land pushed to breaking point economically, she said.

Read the full article here:
https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/wagga/regional-leaders-warn-murray-darling-basin-plan-threatens-to-erase-farming-communities/news-story/c710cea022f06b34fd3b667c102469cb

06/05/2026

The Murray Darling Association invites you to join us and your peers in Shepparton for the 82nd National Conference!

"Local Government as partners, not stakeholders."

With the Basin Plan Review in full swing, the MDA will take bring a strong focus on the opportunities and solutions raised in the 700+ submissions raised to Government and Authority on how to improve the Murray-Darling Basin Plan to ensure the underlying socio-economic-environmental balance.

Ticketing is now open!

The National Conference is an incredible opportunity for our local leaders to come together from across the Murray-Darling Basin to be part of the solution – to join the conversation, to inform future policy, and to engage with leading innovators, scientists, educators, and leaders of our time.

The conference will feature keynote speakers and panel sessions including industry heads, State and Federal Government Ministers and representatives, as well as scientists and educators presenting on topical issues that affect the Murray-Darling Basin water resources and communities!

Would you like to know more? Register now!
www.mda.asn.au/events/2026natcon