Greater Shepparton to host 2026 Murray-Darling Association National Conference

Posted on Thursday 2nd of October, 2025,

Greater Shepparton is proud to be announced as the host city for the 2026 Murray-Darling Association National Conference.

The annual conference is an opportunity for key leaders, including State and Federal Government Ministers and representatives, to come together to discuss topical issues affecting the Murray-Darling Basin water resources and communities.

The 82nd Murray-Darling Association National Conference, scheduled to be held in August 2026, will feature keynote speakers and panel sessions with leading innovators, scientists, and educators about the future of the Murray-Darling Basin.

The announcement was made at the 81st Murray-Darling Association Annual Conference held in Griffith, NSW this week, with Mayor, Councillor Shane Sali, attending for the announcement and to collect the conference trophy which is passed on to the relevant host city each year.

The Murray-Darling Association (MDA) is a Local Government member-based organisation that advocates for effective representation of communities at state and federal levels in managing Murray-Darling Basin resources. The MDA provides information, facilitates debate, and works to influence government policy on behalf of its members.

Greater Shepparton City Council is part of Region 2, with Councillor Geoff Akers the Region 2 Council representative, and former Mayor, Councillor, and community representative Geoff Dobson, the current Chair and MDA Vice President.  

Mayor, Cr Shane Sali, said it was an honour to be announced as the host for the 2026 conference.

“This is an exciting moment for Greater Shepparton - a chance to welcome key government representatives and delegates from across the country to showcase everything we’re proud of in the Goulburn Valley,” he said.

“Our region is home to some of Australia’s most productive farmland which relies on water security to drive our local economy. The conference will allow us to showcase firsthand the water modernisation and innovation that is taking place here which is shaping our region’s future.”

Cr Akers said it was a great opportunity to be named as the host city for 2026, acknowledging the important work being undertaken by the MDA.

“The Murray-Darling Association provides members with the opportunity to actively participate in informing water policy, and provides State and Federal Governments, the Murray-Darling Basin Authority and other agencies with an opportunity to access community consultation and perspectives via a comprehensive community network coverage,” he said.

“The Murray-Darling Basin Plan is due for review at the end of 2026, so it will be timely to discuss these issues at the conference in August.”

Mr Dobson said Greater Shepparton was a fitting choice to be the next host, with the region having strong ties with the Association.

“Greater Shepparton is proud to the be Chair of Region 2, which includes Moira Shire, Federation, and Murray River Council’s, to work collaboratively with other councils and stakeholders to ensure the sustainable management of our precious Basin resources,” he said.

“We look forward to welcoming the passionate and knowledgeable delegates to Greater Shepparton in 2026 for the 82nd MDA National Conference, to continue advocating for innovative solutions and long-term sustainability.”

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