Minister for Climate Change and Water, Senator Penny Wong, today announced the appointment of the Chair and Members of the Murray-Darling Basin Authority (MDBA).

"The independent Murray-Darling Basin Authority will play a crucial role in helping Basin communities, irrigators and our rivers prepare for a future with less water," Senator Wong said.

"The Authority members will draw on their expertise and experience to prepare a Basin Plan that will, for the first time, set a long-term sustainable limit on the use of both surface and groundwater in the Murray-Darling Basin."

Michael Taylor AO has been appointed for four years as Chairperson along with part-time members Dianne Davidson, David Green, Dr. Diana Day and Professor Barry Hart.

Michael Taylor has held senior positions in the Commonwealth and Victorian public services for 17 years. He has recently retired as Secretary for the Commonwealth Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government.

"Mr Taylor's leadership qualities and breadth of experience and expertise in water, the environment, natural resource management and agriculture make him an ideal choice for this important new role," Senator Wong said.

Ms Davidson has a strong management background in natural resources, particularly water and irrigated agriculture. She is currently a member of the South Australian Premier's Climate Change Council and previously served on the South Australian Murray-Darling Basin Natural Resource Management Board.

A former Associate Professor at the University of Sydney, Dr Day has expertise in hydrology, environmental issues, water futures and indigenous educational research. Her studies include research on catchment and stream hydrology, water quality and erosion.

Mr Green has been involved in water policy and water reform in Queensland since the mid-1990s. He is currently a Queensland Water Commissioner and Board Member of the South East Queensland Water Grid Manager and has extensive experience in water resource management and planning, economics, governance and water trading matters.

Professor Hart is an Emeritus Professor at Monash University and has over 30 years experience in freshwater ecology. He has previously held the positions of Director of the Water Studies Centre at Monash University and Director of Research at the Cooperative Research Centre for Freshwater Ecology.

In developing the Basin Plan, the Authority will consult widely with Basin state and territory governments and key stakeholders, including rural communities.

Mr Rob Freeman was appointed as Chief Executive and a member of the Authority in September 2008.