The discussion paper acknowledges what communities have been saying for years, that water alone cannot deliver environmental outcomes, and that ageing infrastructure, invasive species, physical constraints and fragmented governance continue to limit progress.
Member for Albury Justin Clancy said regional communities were looking for stability, not another decade of uncertainty.
“Water policy isn’t abstract in regional New South Wales, it determines whether industries survive, whether towns grow or shrink, and whether communities have confidence in the future,” Mr Clancy said.
The paper identifies ongoing risks in major NSW systems including the Barwon–Darling, Lower Darling, Murrumbidgee and NSW Murray, with declining river connectivity, native fish losses and water quality problems continuing to affect local communities.
Mr Clancy said the Basin Plan had become too disconnected from practical outcomes.
“The issue isn’t intent, and it isn’t innovation, it’s how the Basin Plan operates in practice. Too often, good ideas are blocked by unclear accountability and fragmented governance.”
He pointed to examples of regional industries delivering both environmental and economic benefits but being held back by red tape and policy rigidity.
“Regional businesses are finding ways to add value, create jobs and improve river health, but the system often makes it harder, not easier, to do the right thing.”
Last week, a motion moved by the Member for Murray and supported by the Liberals and Nationals, calling for a Commonwealth Royal Commission into water management, was passed unopposed by the NSW Parliament, despite the Premier earlier indicating he did not support one.
Mr Clancy said the outcome reflected ongoing concern across Basin communities.
“If Basin Plan Mark 2 is going to succeed, it must rebuild trust. That means transparency, accountability and listening to the people who live with the consequences of these decisions every day.”
“This isn’t about tearing the Basin Plan down. It’s about making sure the next version actually works, for rivers and for the regional communities that depend on them.”
Public Submissions can be made at: https://getinvolved.mdba.gov.au/2026basinplanreview with submissions closing at 5.00 pm on Friday, 1 May 2026.
