The Murray-Darling Basin Plan is currently under review, with opportunities for members of the public to participate in consultation. See the review website here and below for more information.  

What is the Murray-Darling Basin Plan?  

The Murray-Darling Basin Plan (Basin Plan) is the national framework that attempts to share water in the Murray-Darling Basin and make sure there is enough for rivers and wetlands. It was created in 2012 after the Millenium Drought brought to light long-standing signs that the river was in serious trouble.  

The Basin Plan is created under the Water Act 2007 (Cth), and sets legal limits on how much can be taken from the Basin each year for things like irrigation and town water. It also includes a recovery target of water for the environment. However, it’s clear that so far the plan has not been delivered in full; we haven’t recovered the amount of water promised for the environment. In addition to this, the plan ignores the impacts of climate change on the Basin, and does not give any rights to First Nations to own, manage or control water.  

What is the Murray-Darling Basin Plan Review about? 

Under the Water Act, the Murray-Darling Basin Authority must review the Basin Plan in 2026, with a report of that review given to the Environment Minister by the end of this year.  

As part of that review the MDBA has released a Discussion Paper for public consultation. The Discussion Paper sets out the issues the authority is considering for the review, and suggests some options to improve the Basin Plan. These issues are: 

  • initial assessment of sustainable diversion limits 
  • water for the environment 
  • river connectivity in the northern Basin 
  • floodplain and wetland health 
  • native fish decline 
  • water quality 
  • water infrastructure and critical human water needs 
  • regulatory design 
  • improving science and knowledge. 

Under the Water Act 2007 (Cth), the review must also consider the management of climate change risks. It also must consider “matters relevant to Indigenous people” including: 

  • how water could be managed in future to support spiritual, environmental, cultural and economic outcomes 
  • the extent to which the Basin Plan recognises and protects the interests of First Nations peoples and supports opportunities for them to participate in determining and developing priorities and strategies for the development or use of water resources, including opportunities for participation in the Basin Plan that incorporate the principle of free, prior and informed consent.   

How to get involved in the Murray-Darling Basin Plan Review  

You can make a submission to the review that addresses the above issues, or any other issues you consider are relevant to water management in the Murray-Darling Basin.  

You can make a submission about the Review here. Submissions are due by 5pm (AEST) on 1 May 2026. EDO is preparing a submission guide to assist those who wish to make a submission – stay tuned.