Starting July 1 this year, Ms Kelly will lead the Basin Community Committee - a group formed to provide a community perspective on a wide range of water resource, environmental, cultural and socioeconomic matters to the Murray-Darling Basin Authority.
MDBA chair Sir Angus Houston said Ms Kelly’s policy and leadership expertise would help the committee to advise the authority on basin water policy and management.
“Ms Kelly brings valuable experience working in policy for the rice industry and previously as vice-chair of the New South Wales Irrigators’ Council, which will sustain an informed and influential community voice to the Ministerial Council and the Murray–Darling Basin Authority,” Sir Angus said.
"I thank the outgoing chair, Mr Phil Duncan, for his outstanding leadership of the committee these past three years.
“His guidance has been far-reaching and has elevated the voice of First Nations people on important water use and management issues for basin communities. Mr Duncan will continue as a valued member of the committee.
“A strong, representative Basin Community Committee is critical for ensuring inclusive dialogue from all sections of Basin communities.
“I’m delighted that Ms Kelly brings on-ground professional experience on a wide range of water resource and community matters.
“Her focus on transparency and quality engagement with communities will be an asset to the Committee as we continue to deliver the Basin Plan and prepare for the Basin Plan Review in 2026.”
Comprising up to 16 representatives, BCC members are appointed by the Murray–Darling Basin Authority for a 3-year term, under the Water Act 2007.
Ms Kelly is based is Moama.
She will bring to the committee a deep understanding of the issues facing rural communities across the Murray and Murrumbidgee regions.
Sir Angus said it was vital that the BCC provide independent, community advice to the Ministerial Council and the MDBA on current and emerging issues related to water management in Australia’s most important river system.
