Gunnedah Shire Council will meet with key stakeholders from across the northern basin on Thursday to collaborate on submissions for the 2026 Murray-Darling Basin Plan Review (the Plan).
This is the Murray-Darling Basin Authority's (MDBA) first major review of the Plan, implemented in 2012, and Gunnedah Shire Councillor and Murray Darling Association Region 11 Chair Robert Hoddle said it was vital the region's voice was heard.
"Water is critical to the Gunnedah Shire - not only for essential human needs but for the powerhouse industries that sustain our community," Cr Hoddle said.
"This review is an opportunity to tell our story clearly and ensure our region is protected for the next decade."
Core themes being considered in MDBA's discussion paper include:
- Sustainable Diversion Limits (SDLs);
- Climate Change Adaptation;
- Environmental Water Reform;
- First Nations Rights and Governance; and
- Water Quality and Fish Recovery.
The forum will feature speakers including:
- Andrew McConville, CEO, Murray-Darling Basin Authority
- Cr Shari Blumer, National President, Murray Darling Association
- Brendan Guiney, Executive Officer, NSW Water Directorate
- Dr Madeleine Hartley, CEO, NSW Irrigators' Council
Under the Water Act 2007, the Murray-Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) must review the Basin Plan every 10 years, and submissions for the 2026 review are open until 1 May, 2026.
Cr Robert Hoddle said the long review cycle elevated the importance of coordinated regional input.
"We need to be proactive, coordinated, and vocal to secure a stable, prosperous future for the northern basin," he said.
"This is our chance to make sure decisions made in Canberra reflect the realities of communities like ours."
Council will prepare a comprehensive submission as part of the review, focusing on community stability, economic resilience, local service sustainability and investment certainty.
"By working closely with industry, government, First Nations groups and community stakeholders, we can deliver strong, collaborative feedback that will genuinely shape policy," Cr Robert Hoddle said.
"This is our last opportunity for another decade - and we must make it count."
What: Northern Basin Forum - Murray-Darling Basin Plan Review
When: 11am, Thursday, 26 February, 2026
Where: Gunnedah Regional Saleyards Meeting Room, 2-42 Kamilaroi Highway, Gunnedah
