MDBA and the ‘wicked’ problem

Jun 21, 2024

MDBA chief executive officer Andrew McConville.

Murray-Darling Basin Authority chief executive officer Andrew McConville has outlined the way his organisation tackles basin issues in wrestling with what he called “the wicked problem of water”.

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Speaking on the first day of the MDBA’s River Reflections conference, Mr McConville said the MDBA approach was to try to play a facilitating role to bring voices of the basin into the room, with an eye to the future, with an eye to the purpose which is rivers, for generations.

“We will identify any unintended consequences, to look for opportunities to simplify the basin plan and improve its effectiveness,” he said.

“And we will look to focus on the outcomes we need to achieve, not just for the process achieving them.

“And we recognise the very important need for diverse views from right across the community, because to crack a wicked problem, or to work in a contested space, requires real courage.”

Mr McConville said the work required courage to invite in different points of view, to harness collective wisdom, and to be prepared to sit with uncertainty and then provide some level of informed judgment.

“We all want a healthy basin. We want healthy rivers. We want vibrant communities. We want sustainable industries, and a healthy environment and when we focus on those outcomes and we share that purpose, then we might be able to find some solutions and we will find those solutions together.”

By McPherson Media Group