TAG
water buybacks
Neighbouring mayors call for Basin Plan review fairness
The mayors of two neighbouring Victorian municipalities are calling on the Murray Darling Basin Authority to recognise the efforts of improved irrigation systems across the region when conducting its 2026 Basin Plan review.
Murray-Darling water allocations: where things stand heading into winter 2026
For irrigators across the Riverina and communities across the Far West, the water picture heading into winter 2026 is one that demands close attention. The key dam levels as of 25 May paint a mixed picture. Burrinjuck Dam, which drives allocations for the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area and surrounding districts centred on Griffith, Leeton and Narrandera, is at 38 per cent.
MDBA shapes Basin language
A rose by any other name would still smell as sweet, but would it mean the same thing? This is the thought I was left with when the MDBA announced the "Opening trade balance set for Barmah Narrows". Notice the subtle change in language? The "Barmah Choke", which is a natural constriction to water flow within the river channel, has formed part of the operating rules that irrigators had to abide by for longer than some of us have been alive.
Opening trade balance set for Barmah Narrows in 2026–27: MDBA
The Barmah Narrows trade provision will start the 2026–27 water year with around 24 gigalitres (GL) available for downstream trade. A restriction on the trade of water downstream of The Narrows (previously referred to as the Barmah Choke) has been active since 2014 to protect water delivery to existing entitlement holders and to maintain the local river environment.
Menindee resident raises alarm over upper lakes releases as environmental concerns mount
A Menindee resident has raised concerns about water releases from the upper lakes of the Menindee Lakes system, warning they could contribute to ongoing environmental deterioration in the Lower Darling-Baaka River system.
Historic win – One Nation romps in to claim Farrer seat
David Farley convincingly won last Saturday's Farrer by-election, becoming the first One Nation candidate ever elected to the House of Representatives. For the first time in the history of Farrer, the electorate will not be represented by a Coalition MP. Mr Farley broke through the glass ceiling with a whopping 57.4 per cent of the votes, well ahead of close rival, Independent Michelle Milthorpe's 42.6 per cent.
ACSEES Communique: MDBA
The 36th meeting of the Advisory Committee on Social, Economic and Environmental Sciences (ACSEES) was convened virtually 21 April 2026 ... The Murray–Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) updated the Committee on its business priorities and progress on the Basin Plan Review.
Basin Plan Review consultation closes, next phase begins: MDBA
The Murray–Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) has marked the close of the formal public consultation period for the Basin Plan Review, a significant milestone in shaping the future of water management across the Basin. More than 2,400 submissions have been received from First Nations people, community members, organisations, local, state and national government agencies.
Gannawarra leads call for Basin Plan reform
Gannawarra Shire Council is calling on the Murray-Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) to recalibrate the Murray-Darling Basin Plan to reflect that the municipality has been the hardest impacted area in northern Victoria. Council has produced a five-page submission to the 2026 Basin Plan Review, which will look at whether change is needed to make the Basin Plan work as efficiently and effectively as possible.
Farrer by-election campaign tests candidates
With bookmakers offering shorter odds for the One Nation and Independent candidates in the Farrer by-election, questions remain for voters following campaign scrutiny and mixed messaging ahead of Saturday’s polling ... As one of Australia’s richest agricultural regions, water has been a key issue for irrigators and towns, and more recently fuel and fertiliser costs; other key issues included health services, housing affordability, and local government funding.
