After more than a decade of Basin Plan implementation, water management in the Basin has reached a critical point of reflection, and the conversation about its future is well underway.
In February, the Murray-Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) released the 2026 Basin Plan Review Discussion Paper, outlining progress to date and exploring the key issues, challenges and opportunities for the decade ahead.
Since then, hundreds of conversations have taken place in towns and communities across the Basin, and the consultation period is now at its halfway mark.
People who live and work in the Basin bring deep local knowledge and lived experience that is essential to this Review. These insights help build a clearer picture of what matters on the ground across communities, industries and environments.
With more than 2.4 million people living in the Basin, the MDBA is keen to hear from as many voices as possible to ensure a broad and balanced range of perspectives.
You don't need to be an expert to take part. You can simply share what's important to you, your family or your community. If there's one issue you care about, you can focus on that. Even a few sentences can help inform the Review.
Consultation on the Discussion Paper remains open until 5:00 pm (AEST) on 1 May 2026.
The MDBA will publish a 'what we heard' report summarising the insights shared, which will help inform the Basin Plan Review Report to be provided to the Australian Government later this year.
Stay informed with the latest updates on the Basin Plan Review via www.mdba.gov.au. Access the discussion paper and make a submission at www.getinvolved.mdba.gov.au/2026basinplanreview
