The Murray-Darling Basin Leadership Program will bring together leaders from across the Basin to strengthen networks and foster collaboration for the region's long-term health and resilience.
MDBA chief executive Andrew McConville said the program would help participants develop a deeper understanding of Basin water management and reform while strengthening leadership and communication skills.
''The Basin faces complex social, environmental and economic challenges, and strong local leadership is essential to navigating them,'' Mr McConville said.
''This program will help equip leaders from across the Basin with the skills, networks and confidence they need to work together, share knowledge and support positive change for their communities.''
The program will be delivered by the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation, which brings more than 30 years of experience in leadership development across rural, regional and remote Australia.
ARLF chief executive Matt Linnegar said the program was designed to bring people together, even when they hold different views.
“The challenges facing the Murray-Darling Basin are significant and often highly contested,'' Mr Linnegar said.
“'This program is purpose built to move beyond traditional leadership models and instead build a collaborative network of people who are willing to put the long term wellbeing of the Basin ahead of individual or sectoral interests.''
The program will be delivered across three cohorts, with the first beginning in June 2026.
Each cohort will participate in a 10-month, multi-session residential program featuring experiential learning, exposure to diverse perspectives, cross-sector collaboration, and a six-month group coaching component to support real-world action.
The program will run through to December 2027.
The ARLF will recruit a diverse mix of participants from across the Basin, including people in formal leadership roles, grassroots and community leaders, and individuals from a wide range of sectors, ages, cultures and regions.
Selection will focus on people who demonstrate a commitment to acting beyond individual or sectoral interests and contributing to a Basin-wide culture of collaboration and shared learning regarding water resources.
''We want to support today's leaders and the next generation of leaders who are ready to think beyond their own backyard and work together for the future of the Basin,'' Mr McConville said.
For more information about the Murray-Darling Basin Leadership Program and how to register interest, visit rural-leaders.org.au.
