Greater Shepparton City Council is urging residents, businesses and community groups to have their say on the Murray-Darling Basin Plan (MDBP) review, warning the outcomes will have long term impacts well beyond agriculture and will influence everyday life across the region.
With public submissions closing on Friday 1 May 2026, Council is intensifying its advocacy and community engagement to ensure local voices and lived experience help shape future water policy decisions.
As Australia's food bowl, water security underpins Greater Shepparton's economy, employment, food production and environmental health. Decisions arising from the MDBP review will affect local jobs, food availability and prices, river systems, and the long‑term sustainability of regional communities.
Mayor, Cr Shane Sali, said the Basin Plan review was one of the most significant policy processes currently affecting Greater Shepparton's future.
"Greater Shepparton is built on water; it supports our economy, our environment and our way of life. Decisions made through this review will shape our region for decades, influencing jobs, food security, river health and the resilience of our communities," he said.
"This is why local voices are so important. Our community understands first‑hand the impacts of water policy, and it's critical that decision makers hear directly from the people who live and work here. I strongly encourage residents, businesses and community groups to take the time to make a submission and help shape a Basin Plan that supports sustainable regional futures."
Deputy Mayor and Pine Lodge Ward representative, Cr Geoff Akers, said the review was not just a technical or government process, but a decision with flow‑on effects for every household.
"This review is not just about water policy, it's about everyday life in Greater Shepparton. It affects local jobs, food prices, environmental health and the long‑term strength of our community. If you live here, this review matters to you," he said.
Local orchardist Mitch McNab, representing Fruit Growers Victoria, said water policy decisions made through the MDBP review extend far beyond the farm gate. "
Water doesn't just stop at the farm gate, it affects local jobs, businesses, transport, food production and household costs. When water policy doesn't reflect local conditions, everyone in the community feels the impact," he said.
Council has been actively engaging with the Murray–Darling Basin Authority, the Australian and Victorian Governments and regional stakeholders to advocate for policy settings that protect communities, industry and the environment. However, Council says community submissions play a critical role in ensuring decision‑makers understand local realities.
Cr Akers said the review represents a rare opportunity for residents to influence decisions that will shape the region for decades.
"The water settings determined through this process will influence our economy, our environment and our community for a generation," he said.
"That's why it's vital that local residents, businesses and community groups take the opportunity to have their say."
Council strongly encourages the community to review the MDBP discussion paper and make a submission before the 1 May 2026 deadline, emphasising that every submission helps ensure Greater Shepparton's priorities and perspectives are reflected in future water management decisions.
Submissions can be made via the Murray–Darling Basin Authority's public consultation website.
