Councils join Basin leaders to plan a better Basin

Published on 17 March 2026

The Murray River Group of Councils (MRGC), which Gannawarra Shire Council is a part of, joined around 200 leaders from across the Murray-Darling Basin last week in Brisbane at the Basin Leadership Summit to discuss the future of water management in the region.

The summit brought together a diverse mix of voices, including representatives from environmental groups, farmers, academics, and government agencies to discuss the management of Australia's largest river system.

“The focus of the conference was the Basin Plan review, providing a rare and valuable opportunity for leaders with differing perspectives to engage, share insights, and build stronger relationships. The conversations were genuine and highly worthwhile,” MRGC Chairperson and delegate, Cr Stuart King said.

The summit enabled Cr King to highlight the critical role of northern Victorian communities and irrigated agriculture in supporting Australia’s food security and economic prosperity.

“The next version of the Basin Plan has to ensure that water resources are managed in a way that delivers environmental outcomes, supports thriving regional communities and secures sustainable food production in northern Victoria and that is what we are advocating for," Cr King said.

“The summit was a timely reminder that the Basin Plan review is a once-in-a-decade opportunity to improve water management across the Basin and learn from the past 14 years.

“Conference discussions highlighted strong support for refocusing the Basin Plan on tangible outcomes. I also welcomed comments from Murray Darling Basin Authority Chief Executive Officer, Andrew McConville acknowledging that the Murray Darling Basin Plan Review Discussion Paper could have placed greater emphasis on food production and Basin communities - a perspective MRGC has long championed."

The MRGC will continue to advocate for Basin communities to be at the heart of the Plan, ensuring healthy rivers and landscapes while supporting sustainable irrigation systems.

“We need to restore confidence in our communities. Our six Councils along the Murray River in Northern Victoria rely on the continued production of food for our economic sustainability, and to feed Australia and the world. Likewise, we support the maintenance of healthy, working rivers and wetlands, which are essential for community wellbeing,” Cr King said.

Submissions for the Basin Plan Review are open until 1 May 2026, and the MRGC encourages everyone with an interest in the future of the Basin to have their say.