MDBA released a discussion paper about the review in February, calling for public submissions from individuals, organisations, communities and businesses.
Goulburn-Murray Water has provided its own submission and makes several recommendations.
This includes a focus on the effective use of existing environmental water rather than acquiring more, and locally focused environmental strategies for our region’s rivers.
We’re also calling for an immediate end to non-strategic water buybacks.
As we have reiterated time and again: there are other options available for achieving environmental outcomes without further non-strategic water buybacks.
One example of this is the Victorian Murray Floodplain Restoration Project.
The VMFRP projects use targeted infrastructure and operational measures to make the most of the environmental water already recovered.
In fact, they can provide water to critical areas which would only otherwise be possible during medium and large floods; in a system as regulated as the Murray, these projects are the most effective way to protect these areas.
It also means that further water is not required to be taken off irrigators allowing for our irrigation system to remain sustainable.
G-MW supports the continuation of these projects into the future, and they continue to be recognised as an alternative to governments purchasing water from the water market.
Another one of our Basin Plan Review 2026 submission recommendations is that the basin plan needs to include a ‘missing chapter’: a chapter which recognises thriving communities and secure food production and agriculture as core Basin Plan objectives.
For instance, we know that irrigated agriculture in Northern Victoria generates $3.2 billion every year and supports tens of thousands of regional jobs.
This is a crucial fact to keep in mind given the Basin Plan Review 2026 will shape water policy, recovery targets, and management priorities across the basin for the next decade and beyond.
It will directly affect farm viability, regional economies, and community life for all residents in northern Victoria.
Making sure the review hears from these residents is therefore crucial.
Your voice matters. The number of submissions matter.
The more voices from northern Victoria that are on record, the stronger the case for our region’s interests.
We encourage everyone, whether you’re an irrigator, regional business owner or part of a local organisation, to have your say.
More information about making a submission can be found on our webpage ‘Have your say: Basin Plan Review 2026’ which is on our ‘Your Say @ GMW’ website: Have your say on the Basin Plan Review | Your Say @ GMW
The page includes information about the review, resources for lodging your own submission and frequently-asked-questions (FAQs) about why your submission matters
Submissions are open until Friday, May 1 at 5pm. It takes less than 15 minutes to have your say.
Submissions can be made through the Murray-Darling Basin Authority’s website: 2026 Basin Plan Review: Have Your Say - MDBA or via email or post.
The submissions we all provide will be key to helping shape a future that delivers healthy rivers, thriving regional communities and sustainable food production.
Charmaine Quick
G-MW managing director
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