The Murray–Darling Basin’s long-term water blueprint is officially under review, and communities across western NSW and Queensland are being encouraged to have their say.
Murray–Darling Basin Authority has launched the first comprehensive review of the Basin Plan since it was introduced in 2012. The review forms part of its obligations under the Water Act 2007 and will help shape how water across the Basin is managed for the next decade.
A Future-Focused Review
The 2026 Basin Plan Review draws on up-to-date evidence and future-focused science to assess whether the current settings strike the right balance between environmental, Cultural, social and economic needs across the Basin.
The Discussion Paper explores a wide range of issues including:
- Initial assessment of sustainable diversion limits
- Water for the environment
- River connectivity in the northern Basin
- Floodplain and wetland health
- Native fish decline
- Water quality
- Water infrastructure and critical human water needs
- Regulatory design
- Improving science and knowledge
The Authority says community input will play a key role in shaping its final recommendations.
How to Make a Submission
Residents, irrigators, Traditional Owners, industry groups and community members are all invited to provide feedback.
To help prepare a submission, contributors are encouraged to:
- Read the Discussion Paper or snapshot summaries
- Attend a webinar or watch a recording
- Review the submission guidelines, including the privacy collection notice
Submissions can be lodged online via the 2026 Basin Plan Review submission portal.
Alternatively, written submissions can be made by:
Email: BPRsubmissions@mdba.gov.au (Subject: BPR Submission)
Post:
Basin Plan Review Submissions
Murray–Darling Basin Authority
GPO Box 1801
Canberra City ACT 2601
There are two submission templates available — one specifically for submissions containing Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP), and one for all other submissions.
Submissions Close May 1
Community feedback must be received by 5.00pm (AEST) Friday 1 May 2026.
What Happens Next?
Following the consultation period, a “What We Heard” report will be released summarising feedback gathered through submissions and engagement activities.
The final Basin Plan Review report will then examine the findings and outline any recommended changes to the Basin Plan.
For Basin communities right across the 2WEB listening area — from Bourke and Walgett through to Coonamble, Warren and beyond — this is an opportunity to ensure local voices are heard on one of the region’s most important long-term issues.