Invitation to Make a Submission on the Review of the Basin Plan

Overview

The Murray–Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) is conducting a review of the Basin Plan 2012, inviting submissions from the public to address identified issues and opportunities in water management within the Murray–Darling Basin. Enacted in 2007, the Water Act 2007 (Cth) established the MDBA and provided it with the authority to oversee the comprehensive management of the Basin's water resources. The review, which runs for 12 weeks from 5 February 2026 until 1 May 2026, aims to ensure the Basin Plan remains effective in balancing the needs of the environment, communities, and the economy. Submissions can be made online, by email, or by post, with all submissions, barring any confidentiality requests, to be published on the MDBA’s website. The MDBA has prepared a Discussion Paper to guide contributors, outlining key issues and options for consideration during the review process.

Scope and Application

The Murray–Darling Basin Authority, under Section 51 of the Water Act 2007 (Cth), is inviting submissions from the public regarding the review of the Basin Plan 2012. This review is applicable to all individuals and entities within the Murray–Darling Basin, including water users, industry stakeholders, and local communities, as well as any other interested parties. The consultation period runs from 5 February 2026 to 5pm AEST on 1 May 2026, providing a three-month window for the submission of feedback and suggestions. Submissions can be made online, by email, or by post, with the preferred method being online via the designated webpage. Submissions are expected to address any issues related to the Basin Plan and provide insights on the topics outlined in the accompanying Discussion Paper. The MDBA will publish all submissions on its website, barring any requests for confidentiality. This review seeks to gather comprehensive input to inform the MDBA's ongoing management and planning efforts within the Murray–Darling Basin.

Key Provisions

Section 51 of the Water Act 2007 (Cth) outlines the Murray–Darling Basin Authority’s (MDBA) invitation for public submissions on the review of the Basin Plan 2012 (the Basin Plan). The MDBA has opened a 12-week consultation period starting on 5 February 2026, concluding at 5pm AEST on 1 May 2026. During this period, members of the public are encouraged to submit their views and feedback on the Basin Plan. Submissions can be made online at www.getinvolved.mdba.gov.au/2026basinplanreview, by email to BPRsubmissions@mdba.gov.au, or by post to the address provided. The preferred method of submission is online, but other means are also available. If submitting by email or post, it is crucial to use the provided submission template, which can be downloaded from the same website. The obligations imposed by this Act include the requirement for all submissions to be received by the strict deadline of 5pm AEST on 1 May 2026. Public submissions are not limited to specific topics but can cover any matters related to the Basin Plan review. The MDBA has provided a Discussion Paper to guide contributors, which outlines the key water management issues and opportunities relevant to the Murray–Darling Basin. Submissions should ideally address the issues and options outlined in this Discussion Paper. It is also worth noting that, unless specifically requested otherwise, all submissions, including personal information, will be published on the MDBA’s website to ensure transparency and public access to the review process. Failing to adhere to the stipulated guidelines and deadlines for submission can result in the exclusion of the submission from the review process, thereby limiting the contributor’s opportunity to influence the outcome. Furthermore, there are no explicit offences or penalties mentioned in the document for breach of the submission requirements. However, the omission of a submission or incomplete adherence to the guidelines might still result in the public not having the opportunity to contribute fully to the review, which could impact the comprehensiveness and representativeness of the feedback received by the MDBA. For further assistance or information, contributors can contact the MDBA via the provided phone number or refer to the detailed guidelines available on the website.