Mayor column: with Cr John Harvie

Published on 27 August 2026

I recently received a copy of the Murray–Darling Basin Ministerial Council August 2026 Communique, which is published, in-part below with intermittent comments from me.

Murray–Darling Basin Water Ministers met on Friday 14 August 2026 to discuss implementation of the Basin Plan to date and progress discussions about the future management of the Basin. Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to delivering a future where the Murray–Darling Basin can support strong and vibrant communities, prosperous industries and agriculture, healthy environments, and First Nations cultural and economic aspirations.

Ministers were updated on water resource availability, progress against water recovery targets, and how recovered water is being used to improve river health.

“Interestingly, Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to delivering a future where the Murray–Darling Basin is able to support strong and vibrant communities ……, but no discussion about how to support and re-energise our communities that have been severely and negatively impacted by the insidious water buy-backs or how to prevent future economic and social dislocation in regional communities.”

Ministers noted the progress in Commonwealth implementation of the Aboriginal Water Entitlements Program. Grants have been executed with Nations across the Basin under the Cultural Flows Planning for Cultural Economies Program which will develop skills to access, manage and own water in the Basin.

“Again, no discussion about agricultural productivity or food production and security.”

Ministers received an update from the Basin Community Committee (BCC). BCC members are key local contacts for the MDBA and provide independent advice that supports the MDBA and partner governments to make informed decisions on Basin water resources and Basin Plan implementation.

“Two members of the BCC live locally here in the southern basin and I have asked that they be invited to address council on BCC’s position.” 

Ministers discussed policy options for future approaches to Basin management and considered lessons learned from current Basin Plan programs. Ministers noted that future approaches will be informed by the Basin Plan and Water Act reviews and be consistent with previously agreed principles:

a) deliver positive environmental, economic, social and cultural outcomes in a changing climate b) implementation based on partnerships, across government, industry and communities  c) implementation that is transparent, simple, has integrity and provides certainty.

“In relation to the agreed principles, I challenge the MDBA or the BCC to provide examples of:

1. Positive economic and social outcomes.
2. Partnerships with local government, irrigators and food industries and,
3. Implementation that is transparent, simple, has integrity and provides certainty.”

“The biggest pub test fail ever….. for sure!”