Air Chief Marshal Sir Angus Houston AK, AFC (Ret'd) described it as a “fulfilling and rewarding chapter of my career” when announcing his decision on Wednesday.
Replacing him in the top job will be Daryl Quinlivan AO.
Mr Quinlivan has extensive experience in public service governance and water resource management, including as a former member of the Murray-Darling Basin Commission, secretary of the former Department of Agriculture and NSW Agriculture Commissioner.
His four-year term starts on December 23.
Sir Houston has held the role of chair since August 2020, and his approach from the outset was to “listen and build relationships, which over time, (would) help to build trust”.
“Since my appointment in August 2020, it has been my very great privilege to work alongside dedicated colleagues, stakeholders, and communities to tackle the complex challenges of managing Australia’s most vital river system,” he said.
“I am pleased with the way in which we’ve fostered collaboration with a very broad range of stakeholders – farmers, governments, First Nations and environmental organisations, working together on the shared goal of ensuring a healthy working basin for all Australians – to achieve rivers, for generations.
“During my tenure, I have been pleased that measured progress has been made to implement the Basin Plan – a framework that balances the needs of our environment, our communities, and our industries.
“While there is still work to implement the Plan in full, I reflect now on the commitment and cooperation of governments, community and industry acting on sustainable water management that has brought the basin from the brink following the Millennium drought.”
Sir Houston said the plan is a “significant and important” water reform that is now recognised internationally as a world-leading model for basin-scale water resource management.
“Achieving this has required a steady commitment from the MDBA staff, from governments and from communities to science-based decision-making.
“I am very proud of the work we have done to strengthen monitoring, improve water quality assessments, and ensure that water management is guided by the best available evidence.
“One of the most rewarding aspects of my time at the MDBA has been collaborating with states and federal water agencies to achieve meaningful progress.
“Together, we’ve worked to recover water for the environment, implement efficiency programs, and manage the river system, all while striving to minimise impacts on local communities.
“As an Authority we have taken very seriously our role to ensure everyone is working to do what is necessary under the Basin Plan. While there is still much to do, no one would disagree that progress has been made and the Basin Plan is essential to our shared future.
“At its heart, we know that the Basin Plan is a pact between governments, and we will only ever succeed while all jurisdictions remain engaged and at the table.”
Sir Houston said a key focus for him has been advocating for cultural flows, and said he is proud of the MDBA’s strong commitment to enhancing the involvement of First Nations peoples in all aspects of water management, including through the Basin Plan Review.
“As I step down on December 22, I remain confident, that the work we have started will continue to shape the future of the Murray-Darling Basin for the better.”
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