Your River, Your Future: The Fight to Save the Murray-Darling Basin Starts Now

In Short

• A Decade of Change: The MDBA has released a major Discussion Paper to guide water management for the next 10 years, focusing on climate resilience rather than changing water extraction limits.
• Critical Challenges: While 20% of water has been recovered for the environment, the review targets urgent issues like drought, aging infrastructure, and declining native fish populations.
• Your Voice Matters: A 12-week consultation period is now open. Communities, farmers, and First Nations groups have until May 1, 2026, to influence the final recommendations.

The Murray-Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) has officially launched a major review of the Basin Plan, releasing a comprehensive Discussion Paper that will chart the course for water management over the next ten years.

Released on February 5, the MDBA says the Discussion Paper serves as a "foundation for dialogue," inviting farmers, town residents, and First Nations groups to weigh in on how to balance the needs of the environment with the survival of regional industries.

MDBA Chief Executive Andrew McConville emphasized that while the Plan has delivered real benefits—including the recovery of 20% of the Basin’s consumptive water for the environment—the challenges ahead are growing.

"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," Mr. McConville said. 

"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".

A Changing Climate

A central theme of the review is the underlying drying trend facing the region. The MDBA notes that hotter temperatures and more extreme events, such as the 2017–2019 "Tinderbox drought," are the new reality.

The Authority is not currently proposing changes to the Sustainable Diversion Limits (SDLs) - the maximum amount of water that can be extracted - but said it is instead focusing on how to build system resilience. According to The Authority, this includes exploring better ways to manage water during dry times and ensuring critical human water needs are met during extreme events.

Local Concerns and Native Fish

For many, the health of the river is best measured by what’s beneath the surface. The Discussion Paper acknowledges a long-term decline in native fish and proposes new options for fish-friendly infrastructure and better habitat restoration.

Furthermore, the MDBA is seeking to move First Nations involvement to what they describe as "beyond consultation to genuine participation" in water planning and management.

Have Your Say

The MDBA is now entering a 12-week extensive consultation period, with the Authority planning to travel throughout the Basin to listen to lived experiences.

"Nothing in the Review is yet settled, and we want to have a genuine conversation with communities," the MDBA stated.

The feedback received will directly inform the final Review Report recommendations due to the Commonwealth Government by the end of 2026.

Key Dates & Information:

Submissions Open: Now.

Submissions Close: 5:00 pm AEST, 1 May 2026.

How to participate: Visit www.getinvolved.mdba.gov.au/2026basinplanreview or call 1800 230 067.