They have warned that regional communities are being pushed to breaking point and demand that governments start listening to the people living with the consequences of water policy decisions.
Meeting in Tocumwal earlier this month, representatives from across the Riverina and Murray regions backed a new community-led advocacy campaign aimed at highlighting the social, economic and environmental impacts of ongoing water recovery across the Murray-Darling Basin.
The campaign, endorsed by the Riverina and Murray Joint Organisation (RAMJO), will share the stories of local families, businesses, industries and communities through a series of short videos designed to raise awareness beyond regional Australia.
RAMJO chair and Murrumbidgee Council Mayor Cr Ruth McRae OAM said the review presented a critical opportunity to reshape water policy and restore confidence across regional Australia.
"Any future Basin policy must balance environmental objectives with the long-term sustainability of regional communities, industries and food production," Cr McRae said.
"Basin communities deserve certainty, transparency and a genuine voice in decisions that shape their future."
The campaign has been developed in partnership with the Murray Darling Association and seeks to put faces and stories behind what many councils say has become an increasingly complex policy debate.
Regional leaders argue the discussion cannot focus solely on environmental outcomes, but must also consider the viability of the communities that depend on water to sustain agriculture, manufacturing, employment and local economies.
The united position adopted by councils across the Riverina and Murray region calls for an end to further recovery of productive water from Basin communities, greater certainty around future recovery measures, and improved transparency around existing Sustainable Diversion Limit Adjustment Mechanism projects.
Councils are also calling for a review of environmental watering practices to ensure they are delivering measurable outcomes, stronger oversight of water trading, increased investment in town water supplies and critical infrastructure, and accelerated action against invasive carp and other biosecurity threats.
Berrigan Shire Mayor Julia Cornwell McKean said communities had already made their concerns clear and were now waiting for governments to respond.
"Communities have spoken. The question now is whether they have been listened to," Cr Cornwell McKean said.
"We need action, not just acknowledgement."
Her comments echoed growing concern among basin communities that, despite extensive submissions and technical analysis provided as part of the Murray-Darling Basin Authority's 2026 Basin Plan Review, the human cost of water recovery measures continues to be overlooked.
Regional leaders say the stakes extend far beyond water management.
The campaign argues Australia's food and fibre security depends on maintaining the ability of Basin communities to grow, process and manufacture the products that feed and clothe the nation.
"This is about more than water. It is about our communities' survival,“ Cr McRae said.
The advocacy campaign is expected to roll out in coming months, with community members, businesses and industries across the Basin invited to share their experiences and concerns as debate around the future of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan continues.
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