It will highlight unique local issues and provide governments with solutions so changes can be made to the Basin Plan that address unintended consequences and provide the balance and adaptability that was originally promised by governments.
It is being led by the region’s key advocacy organisation, Murray Regional Strategy Group.
An experienced water policy professional, Claire Miller Consulting, has been engaged to lead preparation of the submission on behalf of MRSG and the NSW Murray footprint.
MRSG Chair Geoff Moar said it was an extremely important year for the Basin Plan, with the review process starting this month, and the final report due in mid 2026.
“The Basin Plan Review is an opportunity for our region to ensure our messages are clear and united, as the review will influence Basin Plan 2.0 and our future generations.
“The Basin Plan has had a devastating impact on water affordability and reliability in the NSW Murray Valley. Flow targets and other objectives within the plan have been to the detriment of not only food producers in riparian areas along the river, but have exacerbated flooding risks for communities along the Murray and its tributaries.
“Furthermore, its impact on agricultural productivity has affected the service sector and value-added businesses, flowing on to numerous sectors in our local towns.
“It is imperative that the many unintended consequences of the Basin Plan are highlighted and addressed in the review, and we are confident that having a leading consultant is the best option to prepare this key submission and advocate for change,” Mr Moar said.
Ms Miller has a background as an award-winning journalist, Water Minister’s policy adviser and industry strategist. She has extensive working knowledge of the Basin Plan and water issues in general.
She will work with MRSG, which was formed in 2018 after a water crisis meeting at the Deniliquin RSL Club that attracted national attention and more than 600 attendees. At the meeting, it was emphasised by political leaders that the region must have a representative body that provides a united voice on water policy and management.
MRSG has since developed strong relationships with the MDBA and water departments at state and federal level. It has hosted workshops with departments and agencies to discuss water issues specific to the Murray region.
Mr Moar said MRSG, which comprises numerous community and farming organisations across the NSW Murray, will be seeking feedback from the broader community as the Basin Review Discussion Paper is released and a submission is developed.
“If our region is to have the best chance of impacting the Basin Plan Review, we must work together as a community. Collaborating in a unified manner provides the opportunity to achieve that goal,” he said.
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