The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) is urging farmers, businesses and community members across Northern Victoria to have their say before submissions close for the Murray–Darling Basin Authority Basin Plan Review.
The VFF has developed a dedicated suite of resources available on our website, including a simple submission template, supporting fact sheets, and our full policy submission.
VFF Water Council Chair Andrew Leahy said with submissions closing on Friday 1 May 2026, now is the time to seize the opportunity to influence the development of Basin Plan Two, which will directly impact water availability, farm productivity, regional jobs and Australia’s food production.
“This is one of the most important policy moments for our region in over a decade.”
“If we want decisions that reflect the reality on the ground, we need people to speak up and share their experiences.”
“It’s a real strength in numbers game. We need as many people as possible to use the VFF template, add your own experience, and make a strong, practical submission before the deadline.”
“We know people are busy, so we’ve taken the hard work out of it and we hope it delivers a strong message to decision makers,” Mr Leahy said.
Mr Leahy said submissions don’t need to be technical or complex to be effective.
“The most powerful submissions are often the simplest. Talk about your connection to the Basin, what water means to your farm or business, and the impacts you’ve seen. That real, lived experience is what decision-makers need to hear.”
The VFF’s factsheets provide key background information highlighting the impacts of water buybacks and evidence that there is little environmental benefit if further water buybacks are made.
“We’re encouraging everyone to take a few minutes that could influence the Basin for many years.”
“It’s critical that we get a strong, united response from the Northern Victorian community and demonstrate that we matter and can make a real difference,” Mr Leahy said.
Submissions to the Murray-Darling Basin Authority close on 1 May 2026 and can be lodged via email. Further information, including all resources and submission templates can be accessed in the VFF website: https://vff.org.au/murray-darling-basin-plan/