Meet My Business: Murray–Darling Basin Authority
On Thursday evening, the Goondiwindi Chamber of Commerce hosted a compelling and candid “Meet My Business” event featuring the Murray–Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) — the vital agency responsible for managing Australia’s most important river system.
Guest speaker Andrew McConville, CEO of the MDBA, offered an insightful, passionate, and refreshingly honest overview of the Authority’s complex mission: balancing water for the environment, agriculture, industry, and communities across 77,000 km of rivers and 2.5 million people — producing 40% of Australia’s agricultural output.
Andrew didn’t shy away from the challenges. “If when you finish, everyone hates you equally — you’re doing a good job,” he quipped, reflecting the delicate tightrope the MDBA walks between competing needs. But his message was clear: the MDBA is deeply committed to regional Australia and especially to Goondiwindi.
With 135 staff now based regionally, including a growing team right here in Goondiwindi, Andrew shared his personal connection to rural life and his drive to make regional communities thrive. He spoke openly about the MDBA’s efforts to recruit locally, simplify hiring, and even create co-working spaces to support other industries — all while building genuine partnerships with local businesses and councils.
The highlight? The upcoming decade review of the Basin Plan is a massive, 968-page undertaking beginning next year. Andrew invited everyone to get involved: “Tell us what’s working, what’s not, and what you want to see over the next ten years.” Whether you’re a farmer, business owner, First Nations representative, or council member, your voice matters.
The MDBA is here to stay. They’re not just managing water, they’re investing in Goondiwindi’s future. And they want you to be part of it.
Thank you to Andrew, Katrina, Lucy, Kosha, Zac and Anna for their openness, energy, and commitment to our community. And thank you to everyone who came out to connect, ask questions, and share ideas, because together, we can help shape a thriving, balanced future for the Murray–Darling Basin.
Got an idea? Know someone who’d love to work with the MDBA? Reach out. They’re listening. 🌊🌾
