Statement from the Chair: 'On track for 28 November'

Following the outcomes from today’s Ministerial Forum the MDBA is now clear to commence the 20-week formal consultation period on the draft Basin Plan from the 28 November.

Consultations with peak industry and environment groups, and community groups will continue over the coming weeks.

Of particular note was the Ministerial Forum’s request for the Authority, before release of the draft Basin Plan, to strengthen the draft legislative instrument and other mechanisms in the draft Basin Plan to use existing state frameworks and community based networks in the management of Commonwealth environmental water.

"This request was made following the Ministers’ recognition of incorporating localism in environmental watering programs," said Chair Craig Knowles.

"This work will, of course, be undertaken with Basin states over the next week or so. Increasing the community involvement in the draft Plan just reinforces the central role that localism will play in the implementation of the Basin Plan and the importance of hardwiring it into the draft," said Chair Craig Knowles.