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Murray Darling Basin Plan
Updated Schedule D trade rules to commence 1 July 2026: MDBA
New water trade arrangements under Schedule D of the Murray–Darling Basin Agreement will come into effect from 1 July 2026, following the completion of the Schedule D review and approval by Ministerial Council.
Public hearing begins into Murray floodplain projects
Patrick Tucker. An independent public hearing into two proposed floodplain restoration projects near Gunbower and Koondrook is underway. At the same time, roadside signs displaying the letters "VMFRP" are prompting questions across the district ... The report also states construction would require the removal of up to 604 large and very large trees in Gunbower National Park and up to 727 large and very large trees in the Guttrum and Benwell forests.
No to further buybacks
Hay Shire Council has made a submission to the Basin Plan Review following the recent round of water buybacks, highlighting the basic human need of water and the importance of clean reliable water supply for local water utilities. "Investment in local government and town water supply infrastructure must be considered in any water recovery," General Manager, David Webb said.
VFF calls on Basin Plan recommendations to be released
The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) says the Murray-Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) must now reveal what it intends to recommend after their recent release of the 2026 ‘What we heard’ report failed to outline the next steps. VFF Water Council Chair Andrew Leahy said the report accurately reflected the fact that communities hold differing views on issues such as water buybacks, but it fails to answer the most important question.
Labor’s water buybacks driving up food prices for every Australian family
Labor's announcement of yet another massive Southern Murray-Darling Basin water buyback is a direct attack on Australian families already buckling under the cost of living, according to One Nation Member for Farrer David Farley ... Mr Farley said that if the 2007 Water Act review, the 2026 Basin review and the national food security work were not being set up as foregone conclusions, Labor would have waited for their findings instead of rushing into another buyback that struggling families and farmers will pay for.
Broad agreement on the need to move forwards in MDB: National Irrigators Council
Today’s publication of the ‘What we Heard’ Report following public consultation on the Basin Plan Review shows a clear united message: priorities have shifted, move on from “just adding water”.
What we heard report reflects voices from across the Basin: MDBA
The MDBA today released the What we heard report, reflecting the key themes and perspectives raised during the public consultation on the 2026 Basin Plan Review. MDBA Chief Executive, Andrew McConville said people have plenty of different views about how water should be managed, but there was a clear message underneath it all: the Basin Plan matters, and people want it to work better.
RAMJO says $430 million water buyback shows Basin communities are still being ignored
The Riverina and Murray Joint Organisation (RAMJO) has condemned the Federal Government’s latest Murray-Darling Basin water purchase, saying the reported buyback of almost 86 gigalitres for more than $430 million is another blow to food-producing communities across southern New South Wales.
Labor’s $430 million water buyback is another blow to Mallee food producers: Webster
The Albanese Labor Government’s latest $430m Murray-Darling Basin water buyback will take more productive water out of agriculture and put more pressure on families already struggling with grocery prices, Member for Mallee Dr Anne Webster said today. The deal involves the Commonwealth buying almost 86GL of water entitlements for environmental use at a cost of more than $430m.
Major progress made towards Murray-Darling Basin water target: Watt
Nearly 85 per cent of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan’s environmental water target has now been achieved ... over 380GL of water has now been recovered towards the 450GL target, through a combination of federally-funded water-efficiency infrastructure projects and voluntary water purchasing.
