Since the basin plan’s introduction in 2012, critics argue it has placed significant pressure on rural communities across northern Victoria and the southern Riverina, particularly through water recovery and buyback programs.
Local groups say these measures have reduced water availability for production, increased competition for remaining allocations and driven prices beyond the reach of many farmers.
Central Murray Environmental Floodplains Group chair Geoff Kendell said years of submissions and consultation had failed to deliver outcomes for communities.
“People across the basin have been writing submission after submission, and they feel their concerns are ignored,” Mr Kendell said.
“This forum is about hearing directly from those experiencing the real impacts and discussing how we move forward.”
The forum, titled ‘Redemption: Saving the Basin From the Highway to Hell’, will be held on Tuesday, March 31, from noon until 9.30pm at the Barham Services Club.
Attendance is free, with the event also live-streamed via YouTube.
Supported by the Koondrook Barham Bridge Newspaper, Upper Goulburn River Catchment Association and Southern Riverina Irrigators, the forum will feature a wide range of speakers addressing agricultural, social and industry impacts, water management and quality, legal issues and future solutions.
Guest speakers include independent NSW Member for Murray Helen Dalton, winemaker Darren De Bortoli and former NSW water commissioner Peter Gell, among others.
Mr Kendell said around 82 per cent of water recovered under the basin plan had come from the southern basin, raising concerns about equity and long-term regional sustainability.
“With the MDBA now acknowledging some environmental targets may not be achievable, communities are asking serious questions about the direction of the plan and its consequences,” Mr Kendell said.
