An oil and gas lobbyist is moving to the Murray-Darling Basin Authority (MDBA).

Water Minister Keith Pitt has selected Andrew McConville to join the Murray-Darling Basin Authority (MDBA). 

Mr McConville is a previous chief executive of the Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association (APPEA), which followed a decade working in corporate and government affairs for agri-chemical company Syngenta. He replaces Philip Glyde, who retired from the MDBA in December.

Mr Pitt also picked former Liberal MP John McVeigh to chair a review of vital water infrastructure in the southern Murray-Darling Basin.

The $2.6 million review is expected to run for up to 12 months, and potentially identify a “priority list of infrastructure opportunities to improve water security”.

“This investment in assessing and scoping future infrastructure needs will benefit industry, help mitigate the impacts of natural disasters and improve the livelihoods of millions who call the Basin home,” Mr Pitt said.