The extended deadline for submissions closed on Friday, 24 February 2017.
MDBA Chief Executive, Phillip Glyde, thanked those who had taken the time to make a submission, saying the large number of submissions showed there was a strong public interest in the Basin Plan amendment process.
"We knew that this consultation period on the proposed amendments to the Basin Plan would be of interest to those living and working in the Basin," Mr Glyde said.
"The MDBA reached out to people through a variety of methods, such as roundtable meetings, drop-ins, industry focussed meetings and one-on-one farm visits, social media and our website, because we know one method alone doesn't suit everyone.
"In total, we met with about 1000 people during the consultation period. The over 2300 submissions received were from people and organisations across the Basin, as well as from areas outside of the Basin.
"The submissions covered a range of views, from those who felt strongly that the current water recovery settings should be retained or enhanced, through to those who advocated for no more water recovery.
"We are assessing the submissions we've received to see if there is any new information presented, or if the submissions demonstrate a need to change the proposal we put forward."
The proposal is to reduce the Northern Basin water recovery target by 70 gigalitres, change some ground water area extraction limits and to also progress with other practical changes to the Basin Plan.
The next steps, after submissions have been considered, involve consulting with the Murray–Darling Basin Ministerial Council and considering their feedback before a final recommendation is provided to the Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources for his consideration.
Find more information about the Basin Plan amendment process.
ENDS
For more information, contact the MDBA Media office at media@mdba.gov.au or 02 6279 0141
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