This volume reflects the content of the overview and the regional guides, but at a more detailed level, with more of the technical background identified and explained.

The Murray–Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) was established by the Water Act 2007 (Cwlth) and charged with preparing a plan — the Basin Plan — which will provide a foundation for managing the water resources of the Murray–Darling Basin in an enduring and sustainable way.

The Water Act requires MDBA’s proposed Basin Plan to become the basis for public input and consultation before it is provided to the Commonwealth Water Minister for adoption as a legislative instrument.

MDBA has produced the Guide to the proposed Basin Plan to assist all interested parties in understanding the basis of the proposed Basin Plan before the formal, legislated consultation process begins. This will enable people to see all the details of what is being proposed in plain English, and the rationale behind MDBA’s proposed positions. In addition, the guide will give interested parties the opportunity to provide MDBA with feedback ahead of the release of the proposed Basin Plan next year.
The Guide to the proposed Basin Plan consists of an overview of the Murray–Darling Basin Plan, separate guides to the 19 Basin regions, and this volume — the technical background.

MDBA understands there is significant community interest in what the proposed Basin Plan will contain. Release of the guide will help to ensure stakeholders are fully informed when the proposed plan is released and the formal 16-week consultation period, as required by the Water Act, commences.

Please note - Volume 1 can be accessed here