The ‘What We Heard’ report is based on the findings of a 12-week consultation period related to the Basin Plan review.
MDBA teams spoke directly with more than 2900 participants, connected with more than 500 First Nations peoples and groups on Country, and visited almost 100 towns and regional centres across the Basin.
Close to 2500 submissions were received.
MDBA chief executive Andrew McConville said a clear message emerged from the process.
“Across thousands of submissions and conversations, people told us how much the Basin matters to them, their livelihoods, their communities and the health of the rivers they depend on,” Mr McConville said.
“This report is a reflection of what we heard, in people's own words, and highlights the issues they believe are most important for the future."
Submissions identified common ground in several areas, including maximising the benefit of environmental water, improving water quality and critical human water supplies, supporting native fish, and managing land and water together.
Clear differences emerged around future water recovery, climate risk management, and balancing environmental needs with farming and community wellbeing.
“Many submissions spoke about the effects associated with water recovery and the lasting toll on their communities,” Mr McConville said.
“We also heard First Nations peoples speak of their pain of watching Water Country decline, and the impacts of this on community wellbeing.
“None of that is easy to hear, but it's important.”
Mr McConville said the breadth of contributors strengthened the process.
“A broad range of people including conservationists, farmers, First Nations people, irrigators, business operators, councils and community members took the time to make submissions or speak with us,” he said.
“Their views provide first-hand insights into how water management, and water challenges, are experienced in Basin communities.
“Those perspectives are central to our work on the review as we consider our recommendations for Basin governments."
The review is a legislated 10-yearly process to ensure the Basin Plan remains fit for purpose as communities, industries and the environment face new challenges, including a changing climate. The review must be completed in 2026.
Mr McConville said the report marks a significant step, but not the conclusion of the process.
“The feedback we received during the public consultation now sits alongside our science, modelling and policy work as we shape our recommendations.
“Ultimately the Federal Government will use the review to shape decisions on the future of water management in the Basin.”
The MDBA will undertake further targeted engagement with governments and peak groups before the review report is released.
A public webinar will be held later in 2026, and regional engagement officers and regional champions will continue visiting communities across the Basin.
The review report will include recommendations to governments on improving Basin water management over the next decade, and will be considered alongside findings from other reviews under way in 2026 and 2027.
To read the ‘What We Heard’ report,and to read submissions available to the public, go to mdba.gov.au/water-management/2026-basin-plan-review.
