Media Releases

         Murray Darling Association Media Releases

                 MDA 77th National Conference a resounding success

                     For four days last week, the Murray Darling Association met in Wentworth for its 77th Annual General Meeting & National Conference

                 MDA 77th National Conference & AGM – Release of Meeting Agenda

                      This year’s MDA National Conference & AGM is without question one of the strongest programs the MDA has presented in its 77 year history.

                     Councils concerned by announcement of low flows over Easter

                     The Murray-Darling Basin Authority this week advised that with recent rain across the Murray catchments, irrigation demand is likely to drop
                     causing low river levels in the Murray River over Easter.

                    MDA announces 2021 National Conference  - CONNECTIVITY: Connecting Councils & Catchments

                     Representatives from over 100 councils across the Basin will meet at the junction of the Murray and the Darling rivers this May to discuss
                     the importance of connectivity to the future health and prosperity of all Murray-Darling Basin communities.

                    MDA Region 2 grows from strength to strength with Federation Council as incoming chair

                   Federation Council’s Cr Bronwyn Thomas was recognised for her leadership and passion for Murray-Darling Basin communities in Yarrawonga
                   earlier this month when she was elected chair of Murray Darling Association’s Region 2.

                   MDA welcomes new leadership team

                    MDA leadership team a blend of experience and renewal

                    The Murray Darling Association (MDA), Australia’s peak body representing local government across the Murray Darling Basin, has appointed an
                    experienced and capable leadership team for the implementation of the first year of Vision 2025: the MDA’s new five-year strategic plan.

Calling emerging leaders to participate in exciting leadership program in Collarenebri

The Murray Darling Association is currently calling for applications from emerging community leaders across the Warren region to participate in the MDA’s inaugural Basin Communities Leadership Program (BCLP).

A new approach puts local communities at the heart of the Basin Plan

The Murray Darling Association has welcomed the Federal Government’s overhaul of the Murray-Darling Basin water buyback scheme as a win for local communities and for the environment.

Murray-Darling turf war is strangling communities

The never ending turf war in the Murray-Darling Basin is strangling local communities, and Basin governments need to follow the lead of a range of local government, community, industry, and environmental groups working to put the Basin’s future above politics.

Calling emerging Wakool leaders to participate in exciting leadership program

The Murray Darling Association is currently calling for applications from emerging community leaders across Wakool region to participate in the MDA’s inaugural Basin Communities Leadership Program.

Local government welcomes submission of final NSW Water Resource Plans

Communities from across New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria and South Australia have welcomed the historic announcement by Minister for Resources, Water and Northern Australia Keith Pitt of New South Wales’ submission of its final nine water resource plans.

Councils need Basin Governments to stay the course

A renewed threat from the NSW government to withdraw from the Murray Darling Basin Ministerial Council following a meeting last Friday has local government and councils deeply concerned.

The Murray Darling Association, Australia’s peak body representing local government across the Basin, is urging all governments to stay the course and continue to work constructively with focus on getting critical supply projects and Water Resource Plans on track.

MDA calls on Basin governments to ensure reliable and transparent systems of compliance to address Floodplain Harvesting

MDA welcomes Lower Lakes Independent Science Review

The MDA welcomes the Lower Lakes Independent Science Review and acknowledges that its findings affirm a consistency in the scientific assumptions underpinning the Basin Plan.

These findings should build confidence across the Basin that the hard work and reforms our communities have navigated to date are based on sound and consistent science.

Local government welcomes Interim Inspector-General of Murray-Darling Basin Water Resources Report

The Murray Darling Association (MDA), Australia’s peak body representing local government across the Basin has welcomed the Interim Inspector-General Mick Keelty report, particularly noting the opportunities identified around leadership, information and communication, and governance.

Council gather to discuss the case for place-based change and adaptation for communities

Following a challenging start to the year, more than 30 community leaders from across the Murray-Darling Basin met last week for the 6th annual Murray Darling Association Strategic Planning workshop to collaborate on creating a stronger future for local government in the Basin.

Local communities’ welcome progress on Water Resource Plans.

Communities of the far west and the northern Basin have welcomed engagement with the NSW Water Minister Melinda Pavey and the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment as the department manages the embargos on pumping and affirms their commitment to connective flows all the way through the Lower Darling following recent rains.

Local Government expresses concern over NSW Floodplain Harvesting decision

The Murray Darling Association (MDA), Australia’s peak body representing local government across the Murray-Darling Basin, has written to NSW Water Minister Melinda Pavey on behalf of the councils of the far west to expressed their concern about the recent decision to allow floodplain harvesting following recent rainfall.

Applications for MDA's Basin Communities Leadership Program are now open!

The Murray Darling Association, Australia’s peak body representing local government across the Murray-Darling Basin, has officially launched the inaugural MDA Basin Communities Leadership Program (BCLP).

2020 Bushfire Information for Murray Darling Basin communities

The 2019-20 bushfire season has been unprecendented in intensity, duration and loss of life and property. The MDA has launched a webpage to provide a selection of direct links to emergency information, warning and recovery resources for impacted states across the Murray-Darling Basin. 

Local government tackles the big issues at 75th Annual Conference

More than 140 community leaders from across the Basin gathered in Toowoomba last month for the Murray Darling Association's 75th National Conference and Annual General Meeting.

Stirling East Primary School students to address national event

One amazing teacher and several inspiring students from Stirling East Primary School will attend the Murray Darling Association's 75th National Conference later this month to present their class's studies on the Murray Darling basin and receive the Murray Darling Foundation's 2019/2020 Travel Bursary award. 

Local government to hear latest Basin Plan updates at MDA National Conference

The Murray Darling Basin Plan, and its full and timely implementation, will be a key topic for discussion at the Murray Darling Association’s 75^th National Conference in Toowoomba later this month.

MDA Motions Announced

From safe supplies for the Barwon-Darling and drought preparedness, to the Western River diversion and calls for a Productivity Commission inquiry into the relationship between the Basin Plan, the Ag Plan and our national water infrastructure. Councils from across the Murray Darling Basin will consider these issues and more. 

Local government to discuss Inland Rail at MDA National Conference

The Australian Rail Track Corporation's much discussed Inland Rail and its impact on regional communities will prompt robust discussions later this month in Toowoomba.

MDA releases Position Statement on Water Market Conduct and Reform

The Murray Darling Association (MDA), Australia’s peak body representing local government across the Murray Darling Basin, has released a position statement. 

MDA announces additional Cubbie Station tour as part of 75th National Conference

The Murray Darling Association (MDA), Australia’s peak body representing local government across the Murray Darling Basin, is excited to announce a tour of the nationally significant Cubbie Station as an optional add-on tour following the MDA 75^th National Conference.

MDA appoints strong new leadership team for year ahead

The Murray Darling Association (MDA), Australia’s peak body representing local government across the Murray Darling Basin, has appointed an experienced and capable leadership team for the year ahead.

Local government to deliberate key Basin challenges and opportunities at 75th National Conference

Representatives from more than 100 councils located within the Basin will meet in October at the Murray Darling Association's 75th National Conference to discuss the challenges and opportunities for intensifying acriculture sustainably.

Beginning the conversation - MDA Editorial and Advertisement in LG Focus

MDA welcomes Inspector-General and continued support of Basin Plan at COAG

The MDA is strongly encouraged by outcomes from last week’s Council of Australian Government (COAG) meeting, following factious media coverage of the Ministerial Council meeting held a few days prior.

Connecting Catchments and Communities - Constraints: Tension between demand and deliverability key topic

The MDA held another Connecting Catchments and Communities workshop in Euston on Tuesday. This time focussing on Constraints, the event was attended by community leaders from across the Basin.

The Barwon-Darling is an ecosystem in crisis

Clear findings and recommendation of the NSW Natural Resources Commission's draft Water Sharing Plan review handed down last week have been welcomed by the MDA.

MDA response to 4Corners Cash Splash

The MDA responds to the 4Corners Cash Splash calling for transparency and local government involvement to build confidence and trust in the Basin Plan.

MDBA and MDA Partnership Strengthens with new MOU

The Murray Darling Association (MDA) and the Murray-Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) will strengthen their existing relationship by extending their Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for a further five years on the 2nd of July 2019.

MDA welcomes Socio-Economic Impact panel for Murray-Darling

The Murray Darling Association welcomes the recent announcement by the Minister for Water Resources, David Littleproud, regarding the creation of an independent panel to investigate the social and economic conidtions affecting communities across the Murray-Darling Basin.

Total water availability for ag a welcome discussion

The Murray Darling Association has welcomed comments by SunRice chairman, Laurie Arthur, concerned with ensuring sustainable stream flows in the lower Murray Darling Basin.

MDA wecomes new Ministerial appointments

MDA congratulates Senator McKenzie on her return to Cabinet

MDA  congratulates Minister Littleproud on his return to Cabinet

MDA congratulates Minister Ley on her return to Cabinet

MDA response to Almond Board of Australia Water Policy Position

The Murray Darling Association supports in principle the actions outlined in the Almond Board of Australia’s recently adopted Water Policy Position regarding the Murray-Darling Basin.

Almond Board of Australia Water Policy Position Paper

Local government stands together - Basin-wide

A three-day meeting of local government leaders from across the Murray Darling Basin last week saw an historic demonstration of unity and commitment to ensuring local government is directly involved in the Basin Plan decisions that impact our local communities.

Connecting Catchments and Communities - MDA Launches inter-regional forums

The Murray Darling Association is proud of it's Connecting, Catchments and Communities events.

Councils meet as governments grapple with progress reports

As the South Australian Royal Commission handed down its findings last week, more than 55 community leaders from 28 councils across all four states, of the Murray Darling Basin met for the 5th annual Murray Darling Association Strategic Planning workshop.

MDA acknowledges outgoing Chair of the MDBA

Murray Darling Association acknowledge the work done by outgoing Chair of the Authority Mr Neil Andrew AO

Review of environmental watering priorities flagged

 The MDA welcomed the call from Agriculture Minister David Littleproud today for an emergency meeting of water managers, and a proposal for investment in a Native Fish Management and Recovery strategy.

Fish kills at Menindee - requires cool heads and collaboration

The Murray Darling Association (MDA) has called for all levels of government to work together to identify both immediate and long-term solutions in the face of the devastating fish kills at Menindee.

Socio-economic assessment criteria welcomed

The Murray Darling Association has welcomed measures that stipulate project proponents under the Murray-Darling Basin Water Infrastructure Program must consult with local government during the planning process.

Councils inform and influence Basin decisions - Track the progress

Progress relating to resolutions from the past five Murray Darling Association annual general meetings are now available to view online.

Regeneration for a healthy Basin

ReGeneration… for a healthy Basin will be the theme of the Murray Darling Association’s Jubilee 75th National Conference and annual general meeting to be held in Toowoomba in 2019.

MDA response to draft report

The Murray Darling Association welcomes the Productivity Commission Murray-Darling Basin Plan: Five-year assessment - Draft report released last week and presented at the MDA National Conference in Leeton.

Glowing support for drought relief efforts

Murray Darling Association supporters will be able to experience the sights of either Leeton, Melbourne or the Yarra Valley by air whilst raising funds for drought relief efforts.

Call for Goulburn River flows assessment

The Murray Darling Association has welcomed the City of Greater Shepparton’s decision to propose a motion that will be debated at this month’s 74^th National Conference.

Nod given to local government engagement

A packed program considering a range of nationally significant issues will be presented later this month when the Murray Darling Association holds its 74th National Conference and Annual General Meeting at Leeton, New South Wales.

Local government's input growing

The Murray Darling Association’s continuing advocacy on behalf of local governments across the Basin has taken a further step forward.

Motions announced

Seventeen motions will be up for discussion during the Murray Darling Association's 74th Annual General Meeting, occurring on Thursday, August 30 at Leeton. New South Wales.

Water extraction a hot topic

The future management of water extraction throughout the Murray-Darling Basin will prompt discussions next month at Leeton.

Local government expertise recognised in the Basin Commnunity Committee

The Murray Darling Association congratulates its National President, Cr David Thurley on being appointed to the 16-member Murray-Darling Basin Authority Basin Community Committee.

Balancing neutrality, productivity and sustainability

Issues relating to the 450-gigalitre water recovery target, the definition of socioeconomic neutrality and many others will be discussed at the Murray Darling Association’s 74^th National Conference and Annual General Meeting.

Murray River Council hits the ground running

The Murray Darling Association has welcomed Murray River Council’s decision to support two motions that will be debated at next month’s 74^th National Conference.

Glowing reception for visitors

Hot air balloons will light up the night sky on Wednesday, August 29 when Leeton launches the Murray Darling Association’s 74^th National Conference and Annual General Meeting.

Councils to deliberate economic neutrality and the 450GL

Local government representatives from throughout the Murray-Darling Basin will meet in Leeton in late August to look at the future of the Murray-Darling Basin.

Local government leaders meet in Canberra

Municipal leaders from across Australia met in Canberra last week at the Australian Local Government Association’s National General Assembly.

Basin Plan impact report welcomed

The Murray Darling Association welcomes the Murray-Darling Basin Authority reporting into the impact of the implementation of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan on Southern Basin communities.

MDA welcomes return to bipartisanship on the Basin Plan

The Murray Darling Association has welcomed the return to bipartisanship on the Basin Plan heralded by Labor and the Coalition’s agreement on the Basin Plan announced last night.

Murray-Darling Basin Plan essential to the health of the Coorong 

COUNCILS across the Murray-Darling Basin are calling for the Senate to defeat a disallowance motion that threatens the implementation of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan.

A return to the table expected under new SA Liberal government

Local government in South Australia is optimistic of a renewed and constructive commitment to the Basin Plan following the election of a Liberal government led by Steven Marshall.

Great result from collaboration between local government and water agency

A red alert warning for the Edward River at Deniliquin has been lifted after collaborative testing between Edward River Council and Water NSW revealed that blue-green algae levels had fallen.

Local government encouraged by NSW Water Reform Action Plan

The Murray Darling Association welcomes the New South Wales Government’s clear and decisive action to address issues with water management and compliance.

MDA leadership team reinstated for the year ahead

The Murray Darling Association has reappointed its leadership team for the year ahead. 

Data shows social and economic impacts of water recovery

Local government’s peak body in the Murray-Darling Basin welcomes the release of data by the MDBA showing the profound social and economic impacts of water recovery on Southern Basin communities.

Basin Plan the best option for communities, the environment and regional economies

Murray Darling Association National President Cr David Thurley and Member for Farrer Sussan Ley met in Albury yesterday to discuss the electorate’s position on the future of the MurrayDarling Basin Plan.

Councils from across the Basin call on all governments to ‘stay the course’

Local government is calling on the Government and Opposition to reach agreement over the way forward after a vote in the Senate last night to disallow a key amendment threatens to derail the Murray-Darling Basin Plan.

Local government commends bipartisanship on Basin Plan amendments

Local government’s peak body in the Murray-Darling Basin has welcomed the support of the Victorian and New South Wales Governments for two crucial amendments to the Basin Plan

Halt to water recovery not the solution 

Local government’s peak body in the Murray-Darling Basin has reacted with concern to a new report that calls for a halt to all publicly funded water recovery through irrigation efficiency programs.

Basin councils united against disallowance motion 

Local government representatives from across the Murray-Darling Basin have reaffirmed their support for the Murray-Darling Basin Plan Amendment

Councils unite to strengthen their influence on Basin management decisions 

Regional executives of the Murray Darling Association have met in Albury this week to collaborate on strategies for local government to inform the management of Basin water resources.

Council disappointed with Basin Plan Amendment disallowance motion

Balonne Shire Council is disappointed Senator Sarah Hanson-Young last week moved a disallowance motion on the Murray-Darling Basin Plan Amendment.

Solidarity characterises Murray Darling Association National Conference and AGM

A record number of voting delegates from right across the Basin attended the Murray Darling Association’s 73rd National Conference and AGM in Renmark last week.

Murray Darling Association to call for Basin Plan solidarity at National Conference

The Murray Darling Association will use its National Conference to call for integrity, accountability and solidarity in the implementation of the Basin Plan. 

Murray Darling Association welcomes interim report into NSW water management and compliance

The Murray Darling Association has welcomed the findings of an independent review into water management and compliance in New South Wales.

Local government seeks answers over lack of consultation on buybacks

The Murray Darling Association has called for the Federal Government to explain why it didn’t consult local government over the purchase of significant parcels of water out of the Warrego River and Condamine-Balonne region.

Call for clarity on future of Menindee Lakes

A GROUP of Murray Darling Association member councils will seek a meeting with the New South Wales Premier to discuss the future of the Menindee Lakes.

MDA Backs calls for an Independent Public Inquiry into Basin Plan

The MDA has added the voice of local government to calls from the states including South Australia and Victoria for an independent public enquiry.

MDA National President Cr David Thurley talks with Trevor Chappel live on ABC

MDA National President Cr David Thurley talks with Trevor Chappel, live on ABC Overnights about water flows and sharing the resources in one of our nation's greatest assets - the Murray Darling system.

Deputy PM talks energy, tourism and Basin plan

AUSTRALIA’s Deputy Prime Minister made a fleeting visit to Echuca on Thursday. Issues raised included energy availability and pricing, the Murray Darling Basin and opportunities to grow the tourism industry along the Murray River. 

Murray Darling Association response to Four Corners report

The Murray Darling Association has renewed its call for local government to be given a voice in the implementation of the Basin Plan to support the continuing implementation and avoid a repeat of the problems revealed in last night’s Four Corners report.

MDA can help deliver the Plan

Murray Darling Association visits Canberra to talk regional engagement for Basin councils. LOCAL governments need to be a part of the decision-making process in the continuing implementation of the Murray Darling Basin Plan.

MDA calls for greater input from local government

A PEAK body with more than 100 member councils is calling for local government to be given more say in the future of the Murray-Darling Basin, to better balance competing interests.

Local Government urges Easter flows in the Murray

Water will flow down the Murray this Easter, providing confidence to tourism operators and visitors alike, and supporting high visitation for camping and tourism areas along the river.

Local Government addresses Basin Ministers

Over 100 councils from across the Murray-Darling Basin were represented by 3 peak bodies at the Murray-Darling Basin Ministerial Council in Mildura.

Murray Darling Association calls for stability and certainty under the Basin Plan

The Murray Darling Association is supportive of the transfer of responsibility for water management to the newly created Department of Agriculture and Water Resources (DAWR), and is calling on all stakeholders to remain focused on ensuring balanced outcomes for our community and the environment. 

MDA calls for government action to protect the Basin from contaminated waste from abandoned mine

The Murray Darling Association is deeply concerned by the risk posed by contaminated waste remaining in storage ponds at the abandoned Texas Silver Mines Pty Ltd site, which could be spilled from the site with as little as 40 millimetres of rain, sending cyanide and other heavy metals into the waters of the Murray Darling Basin, via the Dumaresq River.

MDA welcomes opportunity to work with new ministry

With the events of the past week likely to bring about changes in the federal cabinet and the minister responsible for the Basin Plan, the Murray Darling Association has affirmed their support for the changes in responsibility for water to move from the Department of Environment to Agriculture.

1500GL Cap on Commonwealth Water Buybacks Passes into Law

The Murray Darling Association has commended the government in passing legislation to cap on Commonwealth water buybacks at 1500GL. 

2015 National Conference and AGM a great success

The Murray Darling Association held their 71^st Annual National Conference in Barooga last week. With attendance numbers over 150, an excellent line-up of presenters and guests ensured that delegates from across the Basin participated in important discussions relating to water and land management and policy.

Registrations closing soon for National Conference and AGM

The Murray Darling Association’s 2015 National Conference and AGM at the Cobram Barooga Golf Club on September 9 – 11 is almost upon us. Hosts, Berrigan Shire, have provided an impressive venue for the conference and it is set to be an informative, dynamic and entertaining event.

Murray Darling Association National Conference and AGM - Barooga NSW

Registrations are now open for the 71st National Conference and AGM of the Murray Darling Association, to be held in Barooga, September 9 - 11

Barham community meeting to discuss the Senate Inquiry into the MDB Plan

The community meeting in Barham yesterday, attended by more than 1000 concerned community members, was a pivotal moment for landholders and communities affected by the implementation of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan. 

External Media Releases

Ellen Ebsary, The Border Mail - Basin plan definition of socio-economic neutrality ‘not good enough’

Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, Barnaby Joyce and NSW Minister for Primary Industries, Niall Blair Ag White Paper delivers $3 million to combat pest animals and weeds in drought affected areas of NSW

The Australian Government continues to deliver on its commitment to help drought affected farmers, providing $3 million to the New South Wales Government for pest animal and weeds management, in line with its commitment under the Agricultural Competitiveness White Paper. 

The Hon. Dr Sharman Stone, Member for Murray - Water Policy to go to Agriculture Portfolio

The new Prime Minister, Malcolm Turnbull has announced he will be taking water policy from the Environment portfolio and relocating it into the Agriculture portfolio.

Wirraminna Environmental Education Centre - Creative Catchment Kids Wins Landcare Award

Creative Catchment Kids, the environmental education program that operates in over 60 schools in the Murray, Riverina and Western regions of NSW, has won the 2015 NSW Junior Landcare Team Award, and will represent NSW at the national awards. Creative Catchment Kids has been a partnership of Wirraminna Environmental Education Centre and the Murray Darling Association since 2010, supported by Murray, Riverina & Western Local Land Services with funding from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Programme and Catchment Action NSW.

Gunnedah Shire Council - Murray Darling Association Rejects Motion Opposing Shenhua Development

The National Conference of the Murray Darling Association overwhelmingly rejected a motion calling on the MDA "to oppose and strongly advocate against the approval granted for an open cut coal mine on the Liverpool Plains in the Murray Darling basin and demand that urgent consideration be given to the withdrawal of such approval."

Alex Druce, The Land - Locals still not sold on Basin Plan

The Hon. Bob Baldwin, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for the Environment - Government vision for water reform highlighted at the Murray Darling Association annual conference

Speaking at the 71st annual conference of the Murray Darling Association in Barooga, NSW, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for the Environment Bob Baldwin outlined the Government’s approach to delivering the Basin Plan.

Minister for Water and The River Murray (SA), Ian Hunter - States, authority in agreement on basin plan measures

Basin states and the Federal Government are progressing a package of projects that will offset water recovery through supply measures, increase water recovery through efficiency measures and improve our ability to deliver environmental water by addressing system constraints.

Member for Murray, Adrian Piccoli - MDBP process and implementation under intense scrutiny

Earlier this year, Member for Murray, Adrian Piccoli together with Member for Riverina Michael McCormack met with the Federal Minister for the Environment, Greg Hunt to make the case for halting water buybacks under the Murray Darling Basin Plan.

Murray-Darling Basin water ministers meet in Sydney

The Murray–Darling Basin Ministerial Council met in Sydney today to consider basin water reform matters and progress on Basin Plan implementation.

Murray Darling Basin Authority - Flow Advice: River Murray flows to vary this winter

Communities along the River Murray in New South Wales and Victoria are advised to expect varying flows in the river during winter and consider adjusting their activities, pumps and moorings accordingly.

Senator John Madigan - Senator Madigan welcomes Senate inquiry into MDBP

"Now is the time to consult, listen, review and act."