The Basin Plan is under review. This is the first comprehensive review since the 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.
You are invited to make a submission to inform the 2026 Basin Plan Review.
The Discussion Paper explores:
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.
Your contribution will help shape the recommendations in the Basin Plan Review report.
To help in preparing your submission we recommend you:
read the Discussion Paper or Discussion Paper snapshots
attend a webinar or watch a recording
read the submission guidelines (includes the privacy collection notice).
Have your say by completing the online submission form.
Submissions close 5.00 pm (AEST) Friday 1 May 2026.
You can also make a submission by email or post.
Download and complete the submission template, available under 'Important links'. Note, there are two submission templates - one for submissions containing Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP) one for all other submissions.
Email to BPRsubmissions@mdba.gov.au with the subject heading 'BPR Submission'.
Post to
Basin Plan Review Submissions
Murray–Darling Basin Authority
GPO Box 1801
Canberra City ACT 2601
A 'what we heard' report will be developed, summarising the feedback received from submissions and engagement activities during the consultation process.
The Basin Plan Review report will examine the results of the Basin Plan Review and include any recommended changes to the Basin Plan.