Minister for Resources and Water Keith Pitt has launched a Murray-Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) office in Murray Bridge.

The Federal Government says it is committed to having water managers living and working in river communities.

The MDBA had just two staff in Murray Bridge last year, but now says 14 staff members will be working from the new dedicated MDBA office.

Mr Pitt said the MDBA’s new offices in Murray Bridge, Mildura and Griffith will “help develop and maintain strong links with the communities who rely on the health of the basin to work, live and thrive”.

“It is vital that we have local staff working across the million square kilometres of the Murray-Darling Basin to ensure we're receiving valuable community input on water management,” he said.

“This is especially important for Murray Bridge residents, who witness the peak of our most important river system as it flows past their doors every day.”

Member for Barker Tony Pasin said river communities know how water resources should be managed.

“This office ensures South Australians have their voices heard as we roll out the Basin Plan and has created valuable employments opportunities which is a real win for the for the local economy,” Mr Pasin said.

MDBA Murray Bridge and Adelaide regional manager Brent Williams says the new team is building strong relationships with the community.

“These new relationships are making a difference and we will keep building on that as we engage more and more in these communities,” he said.

“The Lower Murray region's production of dairy, wine, fruit and vegetable relies on irrigated agriculture and we know how important these industries are to Basin communities.

“Our tourism is also based around the beauty of the Murray, so the health of the river is vital for tourism-related businesses.”

The MDBA says it aims to have a third of its workforce living and working in Basin communities by the middle of 2021.