About the Murray–Darling Basin Authority

The establishment of the Murray–Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) means that, for the first time, a single agency is now responsible for planning integrated management of the water resources of the Murray–Darling Basin.

In December 2008, the agency assumed responsibility for all of the functions of the former Murray–Darling Basin Commission, and is implementing the decisions made by the new six member Authority, Ministerial Council and the Basin Officials Committee relating to these functions.

Key functions of the authority include:

• preparing the Basin Plan for adoption by the Minister for Climate Change and Water, including setting sustainable limits on water that can be taken from surface and groundwater systems across the Basin
• advising the minister on the accreditation of state water resource plans
• developing a water rights information service which facilitates water trading across the Murray–Darling Basin
• measuring and monitoring water resources in the Basin
• gathering information and undertaking research
• engaging the community in the management of the Basin’s resources.

In late 2008, the Basin states passed legislation to enable the Australian Government to amend the Water Act 2007 (Cwlth) so that additional functions could be performed by the Murray–Darling Basin Authority. The authority reports to the Australian Government Minister for Climate Change and Water.

The Murray–Darling Basin Authority is an integral element of the Federal government program Water for the Future which has four priorities:

• tackling climate change
• supporting healthy rivers
• using water wisely
• securing our water supplies.

In delivering Water for the Future, the Australian Government is setting a new standard in national leadership and cooperation with state and territory governments in water resource management.