Foreword

The Murray–Darling Basin is under enormous stress as a result of past water-allocation decisions, prolonged drought, natural climate variability, and emerging climate change. As part of the process for resolving these problems, the Murray–Darling Basin Authority has been given the historic task of preparing a Basin Plan — a strategic plan for the
integrated and sustainable management of water resources across the whole Basin. This is planning at a scale and complexity that have never been undertaken anywhere else in the world.

The plan will provide a fundamental framework for future water-planning arrangements, and will be based on the best and latest scientific, social, cultural and economic knowledge, evidence and analysis. In preparing the plan, the Murray–Darling Basin Authority will consult extensively with Basin state and territory governments, key stakeholders, and rural and regional communities across the Basin.

The Basin Plan concept statement is the first document about the Basin Plan to be published by the Murray–Darling Basin Authority. The purpose of the concept statement is to explain in general terms the key elements and approach being taken in developing the Basin Plan. The concept statement also explains the purpose of the Basin Plan, what it will contain, and when and how it is being developed.

The first Basin Plan, to be released in 2011, is not a one off document: it is an ongoing and dynamic process, with periods of review and revision to come in the future, in the light of the practicalities of implementation and of changing knowledge and information.

I and my fellow members of the Murray–Darling Basin Authority are committed to devoting our energy and all our combined expertise — in water, the environment, natural resource management and agriculture — to developing the plan, and building a better future for the Murray–Darling Basin.

Michael J Taylor, AO

Chair, Murray–Darling Basin Authority