Agricultural
14 February, 2026
"Critical to have your say on 2026 Basin Plan Review", says Chaffey
The 2026 Basin Plan Review is now open for public consultation, and it is critical for all stakeholders to have their say, federal member for Parkes, Jamie Chaffey says.
Mr Chaffey said the 2026 Basin Plan Review put the spotlight on a key guiding document for the Murray-Darling Basin.
“The Murray-Darling Basin is one of the largest river systems in the world and impacts on people and organisations throughout Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia,” Mr Chaffey said.
“There are very problematic aspects of the Basin Plan. Labor's Water Amendment (Restoring Our Rivers) Act, which came into effect in late 2023, removed the cap on Commonwealth water purchases. Removing the upper limit of how much water could be recovered left no certainty for farmers or for the communities located in these catchments.
“Unrealistic water recovery and water buybacks are harming regional communities.
“While we do need to protect this important river system, we need to get the balance right so that we do not destroy our agricultural heart and force people off the land and into the cities. Farmers keep Australians fed and clothed, providing essentials in sometimes very difficult and challenging circumstances.
“Less people in regional areas means fewer farms and, ultimately, higher prices for food and fibre for all Australians.
“For the sake of our farms and our regional communities, I urge people within the Parkes electorate to have their say on the 2026 Basin Plan Review. Only by voicing your opinions and concerns can they be heard, and this is an opportunity to help shape water management for future generations.”
The discussion paper and webinars are available at www.mdba.gov.au/water-management/2026-basin-plan-review Submissions are due by Friday, May 1, 2026.
