The Murray-Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) has released a Discussion Paper to support public consultation on the Basin Plan Review. In accordance with the Water Act 2007, the Authority is required to review the Basin Plan before the end of 2026.
"Today's release of the Discussion Paper kicks off the Basin Plan Review" MDBA Chief Executive Andrew McConville said.
"Through the Discussion Paper the Authority has explored progress that has been made to date and considered some of the issues and challenges for the Basin as we look forward over the next decade."
Mr McConville said that the intention is for the Discussion Paper to help inform communities that depend on a healthy working Basin to then make submissions to the Review.
"The Basin Plan has delivered real benefits, and we are starting to see improvements in some of the Basin's most important rivers and wetlands.
"But the evidence is also clear that climate change, ageing infrastructure, disconnected floodplains, declining native fish and poor water quality mean we need to do some things differently.
"Looking ahead we need a Plan that supports greater adaptation to a changing climate."
Mr McConville explained that the release of the Discussion Paper is the start of the consultation process on the Basin Plan Review.
"We've been transparent about the evidence we've gathered from governments, basin communities and industries, First Nations and scientists, to get to this point. We've used this evidence to propose ideas and actions for the future - now we want to know what the community thinks of that.
"At this point it is a discussion, not a set of decisions. Nothing in the Review is yet settled, and we want to have a genuine conversation with communities, informed by their lived experience."
Consultation on the Discussion Paper will run for 12 weeks from 5 February 2026 until 1 May 2026, during which the Authority will be encouraging individuals,communities, peak bodies and anyone with an interest in achieving better outcomes for the Basin, to make a submission.
"Our consultation over the coming few months will be extensive. We will be out in the Basin listening to people to understand what is working, what isn't and what might need to change. We will be explaining what is in the Discussion Paper and outlining how people might get involved by making a submission", said Mr McConville.
At the conclusion of the public consultation period, the submissions received will help inform the Authority as it develops the Review which is to be finalised and delivered to the Commonwealth Government before the end of the year.
Minister for the Environment and Water, Senator Murray Watt said that a healthy Murray-Darling Basin means resilient ecosystems, stronger industries, thriving communities and opportunities for future generations.
"Our challenge in the Basin is to balance competing pressures: reducing stress on major ecological systems, supporting Basin economies and communities, and adapting to a drying climate with increased scarcity and competition for water," Minister Watt said.
"For well over a decade, the Basin Plan has been the blueprint for restoring the health of the Murray-Darling Basin while supporting communities and industry.
"As we near its final stages we want to be clear on what has worked and take honest and frank feedback on what can be improved.
"The Review will inform the future of the Basin Plan, to secure long-term sustainability for the environment and for Basin communities.
"I encourage everyone in the Basin to get involved in the Review to have your say on how the Basin should be managed."
A copy of the Discussion Paper can be downloaded from the MDBA website: https://www.mdba.gov.au/publications-and-data/publications/2026-basin-plan-review-discussion-paper
