The Murray-Darling Basin Authority is reviewing the Basin Plan
Find out more on the Murray-Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) Basin Plan Review website: Roadmap to the 2026 Basin Plan Review | Murray–Darling Basin Authority
The Victorian Government submission reflects Victoria’s experience implementing the Basin Plan and input from Victorian communities and stakeholders. It supports a balanced approach that delivers real environmental outcomes, improves coordination across governments, recognises First Nations voices, and plans for a hotter, drier future.
Our key recommendations to the MDBA are:
- refocus investment to deliver better environmental outcomes
- secure irrigation for agricultural production
- recognise regional communities and take a more integrated approach
- recognise First Nations peoples’ rights and water management approaches
- take stronger action to adapt to climate change
- develop a transition pathway for incomplete Sustainable Diversion Limit Adjustment Mechanism (SDLAM) projects.
What’s happened so far?
The MDBA is reviewing the Basin Plan for the first time since it began in 2012, to assess what’s working, what needs to change and how Basin water will be managed over the next decade.
A key part of the review is the MDBA’s discussion paper. It sets out recommendations for future water management in the Basin. Consultation on the paper closed in early May 2026.
The MDBA have committed to publishing a consultation report (sometimes referred to as a ‘what we heard’ report). It will summarise feedback from submissions and other engagement. The MDBA have also committed to release a final report, expected in late 2026.
Victorian Government Engagement
During the MDBA consultation period, the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) met with Victorian partners and stakeholders representing a range of interests. This helped explain the review, encourage participation, and inform the Victorian Government’s submission.
Engagement included land and water delivery partners and stakeholders across:
- First Nations
- regional and local government
- catchment, land and water management agencies
- regional industry forums, advisory groups and peak bodies
- environment groups.
Key themes from Victorian stakeholder feedback:
- Focus on outcomes: maximise environmental, cultural and community outcomes from water already recovered.
- Delivery constraints: improve infrastructure, operations and system flexibility to better deliver water.
- Certainty and trust: provide clarity on any remaining recovery, strengthen governance, and show how input influences decisions.
- Place-based and First Nations-led approaches: support locally tailored solutions and stronger First Nations leadership.
- Regional viability and practical investment: protect regional communities and back visible on-ground works with multiple benefits.
- Coordination and adaptability: improve coordination across organisations and use adaptive management to respond to changing conditions.
Page last updated: 04/05/26