Overview of the Murray–Darling Basin Authority
The Murray–Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) is established under the Water Act 2007 (Cth) (the Water Act) as an independent statutory agency in the Australian Government. In partnership with Murray‑Darling Basin (Basin) governments, the MDBA manages the Basin’s water resources in the national interest. With the purpose of rivers for generations, the MDBA’s top priority is the wellbeing and resilience of the Basin’s river system, its people, and places.
The Water Act required the MDBA to prepare a strategic plan for the integrated and sustainable management of water resources. As a result, the Basin Plan 2012 was developed to manage the Basin as a whole connected system. The aim of the Plan is to bring the Basin back to a healthier and sustainable level, while continuing to support farming and other industries for the benefit of the Australian community.
Further information is available at the MDBA’s website www.mdba.gov.au
The Basin Community Committee
The Committee is established under the Water Act and provides a community perspective on a wide range of water resource, environmental, cultural and socioeconomic matters. It provides valued advice to the Authority on the performance of its functions including engaging the community on matters relating to Basin water resources, and preparations for the 2026 Basin Plan Review.
The Committee is made up of a Chair and up to 16 members and must include one member of the Murray–Darling Basin Authority and at least 8 individuals who are water users, or representatives of one or more water users, and at least 2 First Nations people with expertise in Indigenous matters relevant to the Basin’s water resources.
Basin Community Committee membership — expressions of interest — one First Nations member vacancy
The MDBA is seeking expressions of interests from First Nations individuals who have expertise in First Nations matters relevant to the Basin’s water resources.
The recruitment process will be managed by the MDBA. A short‑list of applicants will be provided to the Murray–Darling Basin Ministerial Council who will nominate an individual for appointment by the MDBA.
As part of the onboarding process for new appointments, the MDBA will arrange a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (previously known as a National Police Check). Conflict of interest declarations will be required at commencement and as changes occur over time.
Remuneration
The current sitting fee for a Committee member is $938 per day. Travel expenses for official MDBA business will be as per the Australian Public Service Commission travel and allowance rates.
Period of appointment and meeting frequency
Committee members are appointed on a part‑time basis for a period of up to 3 years. The Committee usually meets 3 times a year in person and holds online meetings in between. Members may periodically participate in subcommittees relating to Indigenous, environmental water and irrigation matters, and attend other meetings subject to approval.
Location
Committee members may be required to attend meetings in Canberra and/or in regional areas across the Murray–Darling Basin.
The application process
Expressions of interest through the online application portal close 11:30 pm AEST on 3 August 2025.
Applications should be completed online at https://www.mdba.gov.au/careers. Your application should incorporate your experience and areas of interest. This will require your resume to be uploaded. You should consider the functions of the Committee when outlining your specific expertise and areas of interest.
For further information please contact the Committee Secretariat at BCC.Secretariat@mdba.gov.au