Moree man Phil Duncan has been appointed chair of the Murray-Darling Basin Community Committee - the first time an Aboriginal person has led the independent advisory group.
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The Gomeroi man has a more than 38 years of experience working with Aboriginal people, communities and liaising with governments. He was chair of the National Water Commission's First People's Water Engagement Council and for many years has been actively involved in native fish management in the Basin.
Mr Duncan said understands the needs of rural communities and looks forward to working with his fellow committee members to see the Basin Plan through.
"My entire family are the beneficiaries of a strong and vibrant Australian rural industry," he said.
"I understand the requirements needed for viable rural industries here in Australia.
"I support the Murray-Darling Basin Plan - there is no plan B. The Basin plan provides the platform for collaboration, working partnerships and a staged approach to the recovery of the entire river system.
"I want to look at how we can work together to repair country and support the reinvigoration of rural industries in Australia.
"I want to see the long-term resilience of all communities in the Basin that are affected by the crippling realities of drought.
"For me to be the best chair of the Basin Community Committee I can be, I need to be able to take sound strategic advice from my fellow committee members and be approachable to all stakeholders across the Basin."
Acting Chair of the MDBA, Joanna Hewitt, said Mr Duncan would bring a wealth of experience and understanding to his new role.
"Mr Duncan has worked extensively in the university sector and with state and Commonwealth governments providing high-level policy and strategic advice on water and related environmental matters," she said.
"A Gomeroi man from Moree in New South Wales, Mr Duncan also has valuable experience working in policy and planning with Aboriginal representative bodies.
"I congratulate Mr Duncan and know that the immensely valuable work of the Basin Community Committee will be further enhanced by his leadership.
"It is crucial that the wide range of community perspectives are regularly and effectively part of Basin governments' consideration.
"Under Mr Duncan's leadership, I am confident the committee will continue to reflect the breadth of experience and insights of people in the Basin and increase community understanding of water management."
Ms Hewitt also extended the Authority's gratitude to outgoing BCC chair, Rory Treweeke, for his outstanding contribution to the process of water reform in the Murray-Darling Basin as a member and chair of the committee during the past 10 years.
Mr Duncan will formally take up his new role as chair on January 1, 2020.
For more information about the Basin Community Committee, visit mdba.gov.au/bcc.
