Delay basin review deadline, says water group

Forum co‑chair Suzanna Sheed said farmers and regional communities were facing mounting pressures as fuel and fertiliser shortages intensify and recent rainfall drives urgent sowing activity across the district.

“Water availability underpins food production, yet agriculture and basin communities were not properly recognised in the MDBA’s draft.

“More time is needed to ensure the final review reflects the role of water in national and global food security, regional economies and community resilience,” Ms Sheed said.

Advanced Ag manager and co-chair Andrew Mann said the timing of the review added to the difficulty facing local producers.

“Farmers are confronting fuel and fertiliser shortages and high costs while preparing for sowing,” Mr Mann said.

“Extending the submission period would allow meaningful input that reflects the real challenges on the ground.”

The forum emphasises the extension would allow the MDBA to work constructively with production sectors and supply chains — ensuring informed recognition of agriculture in the final report.

It would also align with the Federal Government’s establishment of the National Food Security Council, allowing coherent policy between water reform and food security.

“At a time when global events are testing food systems everywhere, an effective basin plan review must fully consider agriculture and the communities that sustain it,” Ms Sheed said.

“Providing the minimum period of 12 weeks for the review under the legislation is simply not enough and is destined to deliver flawed outcomes.”

The basin review discussion paper has been criticised for ignoring the relationship between irrigation and food production.

The criticism has been raised with MDBA chair Andrew McConville and Federal Environment Minister Murray Watt.

The deadline for submissions is May 1.