About us

The Murray-Darling Basin Authority is an independent government agency which, in partnership with Basin governments, manages the Murray-Darling Basin's water resources in the national interest. With the enactment of the Water Act 2007, the Murray-Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) was established as an independent expertise-based statutory agency.

The MDBA aims to achieve a healthy working Basin for the benefit of all Australians. The Murray-Darling Basin contains a rich diversity of natural environments that are unique in Australia and the world. The Basin is also crucial to Australia's economy and home to 2.3 million Australians, including people from over 50 First Nations. How we manage the Basin as a whole connected system, manage our water carefully, and protect it for future generations is set out in the Murray-Darling Basin Plan.

The Murray-Darling Basin Authority is currently undertaking a significant review of the Basin Plan, presenting an important opportunity to shape its future direction. Although the formal public consultation phase has closed, the Basin Community Committee (BCC) continues to actively engage with the Authority to influence policy reform and advocate for a more outcomes-focused Basin Plan over the next decade. This ongoing engagement is critical as the Basin faces the complex challenge of balancing competing priorities enhancing key ecological systems, supporting the sustainability of Basin industries and communities, and adapting to the increasing impacts of climate change.

Learn more about our corporate structure and leadership team. Visit mdba.gov.au/about-us/who-we-are.

About the role

The Basin Community Committee (BCC) is established under the Water Act and provides a community perspective on a wide range of water resource, environmental, cultural and socioeconomic matters. It has several important functions, including providing community-informed advice on Basin Plan development and water resource issues to the Authority.

In performing its functions, and as directed by the Authority, Members will engage with their local communities across the Basin about the Basin Plan and its implementation. How that engagement takes place is up to the Member and it may take different forms and vary across the Basin. Activities may include:

• attending community meetings.
• attending council meetings.
• presenting at council meetings.
• contributing to local newsletters and social media.

Expectations of Committee Members

Members to the Committee are appointed under the Water Act by written instrument (Appointment Instrument) after being nominated by the Murray-Darling Basin Ministerial Council. The Appointment Instrument contains terms and conditions of appointment, including renumeration.

The Instrument of Establishment (2020) Basin Community Committee, 19 May 2020 (Instrument of Establishment), contains procedural directions that also set out member responsibilities.

Commitment

Once appointed, permanent panel members of the Committee attend up to three in-person or virtual meetings of the Committee per year, as well as out of session teleconferences as required.

Accountabilities

The following are the key accountabilities for members of the Committee:

• Perform the function of the Committee.
• Be an active member of subcommittees as appropriate to support the fulfilment of the function of the Committee.
• Collaborate, communicate and engage in team work with other Committee members, to establish an effective committee.
• Be a local contact for the Authority and provide a community perspective on a wide range of issues.
• Attend up to three face to face meetings a year, and out of session teleconferences as required.
• Participate in regional activities of the Authority.
• Engage with other advisory communities established by the Authority as required.

Capabilities

To be eligible for appointment as a BCC member, a person must have a high-level of expertise or interest in one or more of the following:

• community, Indigenous or local government matters relevant to Basin water resources.
• irrigated agriculture.
• environmental water management.

Demonstrable leadership capabilities and experience in similar committee structures, will also be highly regarded. Members will bring a strategic awareness of Murray-Darling Basin water policy challenges and an understanding of basin science related initiatives.

Possessing experience or background aligned to the definition of water user is essential.

A water user is someone who:

• is engaged in irrigated agriculture; or
• is engaged in environmental water management; or
• uses water for industrial purposes; uses stock and domestic water; or
• is engaged in interception activities with a significant impact (whether on an activity by activity basis or cumulatively) on water resources.

Eligibility

To be eligible for this position, you must:

• be an Australian citizen.
• obtain and maintain, or continue to hold the required security clearance at the appropriate level applicable to the position; and satisfy all other MDBA engagement requirements, which may include completion of a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check, health clearances and formal qualification checks.