The northern Basin needs your voice – applications now open for Regional Community Forums

Community members from the Barwon–Darling and Central West regions are encouraged to join their local forum to support rivers for generations.

Published: 24 January 2024

Regional Community Forums are an important way to connect with Basin communities – helping us to communicate and share knowledge with community members, hear local insights and deepen our understanding of regional issues.

The next round of Regional Community Forums will commence in March 2024 and will provide an update on the work being undertaken for the Basin Plan Evaluation and Basin Plan Review.

These forums, comprising up to 20 people, will continue to include landholders, First Nations and government representatives who hold local knowledge and an interest in the Basin. 

The first round of forums was held in July 2021 and saw more than 1,000 comments collected from the 100 virtual participants across all 6 sessions. Source: MDBA

A unique opportunity to learn and share

Not only will participants have the opportunity to build their knowledge about the science of their region and the Basin, but they'll also be invited to provide their feedback, ideas and suggestions on initiatives planned within the MDBA science and monitoring program.

Regional Engagement Officer, Shona Whitfield has been based in the Macquarie region for more than 20 years and said she would love to see more representation from the Basin communities in southern Queensland and northern New South Wales.

“I’ve been involved in the Central West forum in the past, and I encourage anyone who has in interest in the Basin to join and represent their community.

“These forums are such a unique and engaging way for you to share your knowledge with the MDBA and highlight the real-life examples of the drivers of change, resilience and adaptation in the Basin.

“Not only is it a fantastic opportunity for your voice to be heard, but it enables you to have direct input and participation in the important work of the MDBA.” 

The regional community forums represent the following regions:

Map of community forum regions in the Basin.

Join our Regional Community Forums

There is still room in our Regional Community Forums for you.

Join a forum group and share your experiences to inform recommendations that will support rivers for generations.

Email or phone us for more information at engagement@mdba.gov.au or 1800 230 067.