The Basin Plan is under review. This is the first comprehensive review since the Murray–Darling Basin Plan was launched in 2012 and is part of our requirements in the Water Act 2007 (Cth).
This review uses up-to-date evidence and future focused science to make recommendations to ensure our water management approach balances the environmental, Cultural, social and economic needs across the Basin for the next 10 years.
A Discussion Paper was published on 5 February 2026 exploring:
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.
Members of the public were invited to make a submission to inform the review during the period 5 February to 5pm (AEST) 1 May 2026. The consultation is now closed.
To help in preparing their submissions we provided:
We thank everyone who participated and shared their expertise, lived experience and ideas for the improving the Basin Plan.
Your feedback will play an important role in shaping water management for future generations.
We are now carefully reviewing all submissions and engagement insights gathered during the consultation period.
A ‘what we heard’ consultation report summarising the feedback will be published mid-year together with the submissions, where the author has provided consent to publish.
The Basin Plan Review final report is due at the end of this year and will examine the results of the review and include any recommended changes to the Basin Plan.