The Murray-Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) has given details of its latest meeting. 

The MDBA convened on 13 June in Narrabri, on the ancestral lands of the Gomeroi Nations, under the chairmanship of Sir Angus Houston. 

The meeting marked the prelude to the Authority's annual water conference, River reflections, providing an invaluable platform for regional stakeholders to exchange insights on water management and share on-ground expertise. 

Collaboration with the Basin Officials Committee and the Basin Community Committee was also anticipated during the conference.

A review of the current water resource availability revealed that the total water volume stored across the Basin remained high for early winter, standing at 90 per cent capacity.

Discussions centred around key water management initiatives in the River Murray System, including ongoing airspace management at Hume Dam and the preparation of the 2023-24 River Murray Annual Operating Outlook, slated for release in the coming months.

The meeting delved into the strategic direction, scope, and approach for the forthcoming 2026 Basin Plan Review. 

Members eagerly anticipated the unveiling of the Roadmap at the River reflections conference and underscored the significance of engaging a broad spectrum of stakeholders over the next three years.

Acknowledging the initiation of the Productivity Commission's Murray-Darling Basin Plan: Implementation Review 2023, the MDBA emphasised its commitment to actively participating in the review process, including making a public submission.

Furthermore, the Authority discussed the upcoming release of the next Basin Plan Report Card, which will be made available on the MDBA website in the near future.

Members also received a briefing on the status of the 16 Water Resource Plans (WRPs) in New South Wales awaiting accreditation and implementation. 

The Authority acknowledged that the New South Wales Government had withdrawn seven WRPs in May for further refinement before resubmitting them for assessment. 

The remaining nine WRPs are currently being assessed by the MDBA to ensure compliance with the 55 requirements of the Basin Plan.

During the meeting, the MDBA expressed their condolences for the passing of former Chair Mike Taylor and took a moment to remember his contributions.

The meeting concluded with a yarning circle hosted by Dr. Joe Fraser, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous) of the University of New England, for which the members extended their gratitude.

The next MDBA meeting is scheduled to take place on 24 July 2023 on Ngunnawal Country in Canberra.