Griffith City Council has endorsed three motions to be submitted to June’s Australian Local Government Association National General Assembly (NGA) in Canberra, calling for critical reforms as part of the 2026 review of the Murray-Darling Basin Authority Basin Plan.
The motions were put forward at Tuesday’s Ordinary Council Meeting by Councillor Shari Blumer, who is also National President of the Murray Darling Association.
“Water is the lifeblood of our Basin communities, and it’s vital we manage it sustainably for people, industry and the environment,” said Cr Blumer.
The first motion urges the Australian Government and the Murray-Darling Basin Authority to model the combined impacts of population growth and climate change on water allocations across the Basin, including for communities, irrigators and industry.
The second calls for amendments to the Water Act 2007 to broaden its objectives to better recognise clean drinking water and critical human water needs, by prescribing additional relevant international agreements.
The third motion seeks to halt further water buybacks until Sustainable Diversion Limit Adjustment Mechanism projects, including constraints and Enhanced Environmental Water Delivery works, are fully delivered.
“These motions aren’t just about water policy, they’re about the future of our regions,” Cr Blumer said.
“By advocating for these reforms at the National General Assembly, we’re putting local voices and sustainable solutions front and centre.”
The NGA will be held from 23 to 25 June.
