The Murray–Darling Basin Authority has released its 2026 Basin Plan Review – What We Heard Report, summarising feedback from Basin communities following consultation on the future of the Basin Plan.
Earlier this year, the Australian Table Grape Association made a submission on behalf of the table grape industry, advocating for a healthy river system that also supports productive agriculture, regional communities and long-term food security.
The ATGA submission raised concerns about the Basin Plan Review’s lack of consideration of the significance of agriculture in regional communities, and called for:
- Greater recognition of the role irrigated horticulture plays in food security, regional employment and local economies.
- Science-based decision making, greater transparency and meaningful stakeholder consultation throughout the review process.
- A pause on further water buybacks until better investments in water infrastructure, storage and removal of delivery constraints are addressed.
- Environmental watering that focuses on demonstrated measurable outcomes, while protecting water quality and critical human and food security needs.
- A healthy, climate-resilient river system that supports both the environment and productive agriculture.
Many of the priorities raised by the ATGA were echoed in other stakeholder submissions received during the review process.
- The MDBA’s What We Heard Report highlights that:
- Basin communities want a better balance between healthy rivers, productive agriculture and thriving regional communities.
- Many stakeholders are concerned about the impacts of water buybacks on farming businesses, regional economies and local communities.
- Climate change and increasing climate variability must be considered in future Basin management.
- Environmental water should deliver measurable outcomes and be managed effectively.
- Water quality remains a priority across the Basin.
- Decisions should be informed by science, evidence and local knowledge.
The ATGA appreciated the opportunity to contribute to the review and will continue advocating for practical, balanced Basin management that supports growers, communities and the environment.