GUNNEDAH Shire Council will meet with key stakeholders from across the northern basin on Thursday to collaborate on submissions for the 2026 Murray-Darling Basin Plan Review.

This is the Murray-Darling Basin Authority’s first major review of the Plan, implemented in 2012, and Gunnedah Shire councillor and Murray Darling Association Region 11 chair Robert Hoddle said it was vital the region’s voice was heard.

“Water is critical to the Gunnedah Shire – not only for essential human needs but for the powerhouse industries that sustain our community,” Cr Hoddle said.

“This review is an opportunity to tell our story clearly and ensure our region is protected for the next decade.”

Core themes being considered in MDBA’s discussion paper include sustainable Diversion Limits; climate change adaptation; environmental water reform; First Nations Rights and Governance; and water quality and fish recovery.

The Namoi River in the Gunnedah Shire falls within the Murray-Darling Basin.

The forum will feature several speakers.

These include Andrew McConville, CEO, Murray–Darling Basin Authority; Cr Shari Blumer, national president, Murray Darling Association; Brendan Guiney, executive officer, NSW Water Directorate; and Dr Madeleine Hartley, CEO, NSW Irrigators’ Council.

Under the Water Act 2007, the Murray-Darling Basin Authority must review the Basin Plan every 10 years.

Submissions for the 2026 review are open until May 1, 2026.

Cr Hoddle said the long review cycle elevated the importance of coordinated regional input.

“We need to be proactive, coordinated, and vocal to secure a stable, prosperous future for the northern basin,” he said.

“This is our chance to make sure decisions made in Canberra reflect the realities of communities like ours.”

Council will prepare a comprehensive submission as part of the review, focusing on community stability, economic resilience, local service sustainability and investment certainty.

“By working closely with industry, government, First Nations groups and community stakeholders, we can deliver strong, collaborative feedback that will genuinely shape policy,” Cr Hoddle said.

“This is our last opportunity for another decade — and we must make it count.”

MDBA chief executive, Andrew McConville, said he is looking forward to hearing directly from the community of Gunnedah and surrounding towns about what is working, what isn’t, and what needs to change.

“Local voices and insights are an essential part of the Basin Plan Review process,” Mr McConville said.

“Lived experience and diverse viewpoints are crucial to shaping a Basin Plan that supports healthy rivers, productive agriculture and strong regional communities.

“We know that water management in the north is very different to the south and that water management in the northern Basin needs to be better supported.

“We will be out and about meeting individuals and organisations throughout the Basin in the coming weeks to talk through what the Discussion Paper means on the ground and provide practical support on how to make a submission.

“Anyone can make a submission at any time in the consultation process, which runs until 1 May 2026,” he said.

Consultation on the Discussion Paper will run for 12 weeks from February 5, 2026 until May 1, 2026, during which the Authority will be encouraging individuals, communities, peak bodies and anyone with an interest in achieving better outcomes for the Basin, to make a submission.

At the conclusion of the public consultation period, the submissions received will help inform the Authority as it develops the Review which is to be finalised and delivered to the Commonwealth Government before the end of the year.

Details on how to make a submission can be found here: Roadmap to Basin Plan Review | Murray–Darling Basin Authority.

Northern Basin Forum – Murray-Darling Basin Plan Review

When: Thursday, February 26

Where: Gunnedah Regional Saleyards Meeting Room, 2-42 Kamilaroi Highway, Gunnedah

Time: 11am

More information: Gunnedah Shire Council on (02) 6742 2100