As the first comprehensive review of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan closes today, the National Farmers' Federation (NFF) is calling on the Federal Government to seize the moment and deliver a smarter, more balanced approach to water reform and not repeat the mistakes of the past.
NFF President Hamish McIntyre said the review marks a critical moment for Basin communities, which have spent more than a decade living with the consequences of policy decisions that too often sidelined social and economic realities.
"This river system is home to Australia's food bowl, producing more than one-third of Australia's food and fibre," Mr McIntyre said.
"Not only does the Basin put food on the tables of families around Australia, it underpins around $30 billion in output each year, supports nearly 10,000 farm businesses and at least 76,000 direct jobs.
"A healthy river system means healthy food, healthy communities and health economies."
In its submission to the review, the NFF urged a clear shift in direction away from further water acquisition toward a more practical, system-based approach to environmental management.
"We cannot afford to keep making the same mistakes and expecting a different result," Mr McIntyre said.
"That means investing in the practical measures that actually improve river health, like fixing constraints, restoring habitat, improving water quality and eradicating invasive species like carp."
Eradicating carp is a central issue, with NFF representatives and basin stakeholders this week meeting to discuss ways to accelerate and implement real action on significantly reducing carp numbers.
The NFF's submission outlines a clear pathway forward, including progressing community-supported infrastructure projects, delivering a national strategy to address fish kills and invasive species, modernising ageing water infrastructure, and enabling more flexible and efficient water use.
"It's encouraging to see the conversation shifting away from blunt water buybacks toward smarter, system-based solutions. That reflects what farmers have been saying for years."
Mr McIntyre said the next phase of reform must focus on getting more value from the water already held for environmental purposes, rather than removing more from productive use.
"We've got to stop chasing volume and start focusing on outcomes."
The NFF's submission also calls for safeguards against "acquisition by stealth" through rule changes that reduce water available for farming, and careful consideration of any changes to river operations to avoid unintended impacts on entitlement holders.
Mr McIntyre said the NFF was ready to work constructively with the Government so farmers could be part of the solution.
"We want a Basin Plan that works for everyone by balancing environmental outcomes with strong regional communities and a productive agricultural sector."
The NFF's submission to the 2026 Basin Plan Review is available here.
