VICTORIANS are being urged to have their say on the issues of bushfires and water in two separate inquiries this month.

On bushfires, people who were impacted by the 2026 summer fires can register to speak directly to members of parliament during a series of open microphone sessions to be held across the state.

The Legislative Council Environment and Planning Committee is travelling to regional Victoria for public hearings in late April.

The open mic sessions for community members to have their say will be on:

• Tuesday 21 April: Colac, 1 pm – 2 pm
• Wednesday 22 April: Natimuk/Quantong, 3 pm – 4 pm
• Friday 24 April: Alexandra, 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm

More details about the public hearing schedules will be released closer to those dates.

People interested in speaking at the open mics must register their interest on the inquiry website by Thursday 16 April 2026.

Committee chair Ryan Batchelor said the session series will be an important opportunity for people affected by the fires to share their experiences and make us aware of any ongoing issues.

“Our extensive terms of reference allow us to explore numerous matters including the emergency response to the fires, resourcing of fire agencies, support for volunteers, recovery efforts and the impact on the environment.”

The parliamentary inquiry has received almost 200 public submissions so far which are being progressively published on the Committee’s website.

The closing date for written input is Sunday 19 April 2026.

VFF urges feedback on basin plan review

The Victorian Farmers Federation is urging farmers, businesses and community members across northern Victoria to have their say before submissions close for the Murray–Darling Basin Authority Basin Plan Review.

The VFF said it has developed a dedicated suite of resources available on its website, including a simple submission template, supporting fact sheets, and our full policy submission.

VFF Water Council chair Andrew Leahy said with submissions closing on Friday 1 May 2026, now is the time to seize the opportunity to influence the development of Basin Plan Two.

The plan will directly impact water availability, farm productivity, regional jobs and Australia’s food production, he said.

“This is one of the most important policy moments for our region in over a decade.”

“If we want decisions that reflect the reality on the ground, we need people to speak up and share their experiences,” Mr Leahy said.

“It’s a real strength in numbers game. We need as many people as possible to use the VFF template, add your own experience, and make a strong, practical submission before the deadline.”

Mr Leahy said submissions don’t need to be technical or complex to be effective.

“The most powerful submissions are often the simplest.

“Talk about your connection to the Basin, what water means to your farm or business, and the impacts you’ve seen,” he said.

“That real, lived experience is what decision-makers need to hear.”

The VFF’s factsheets provide key background information highlighting the impacts of water buybacks and evidence that there is little environmental benefit if further water buybacks are made.

“We’re encouraging everyone to take a few minutes that could influence the basin for many years.

“It’s critical that we get a strong, united response from the Northern Victorian community and demonstrate that we matter and can make a real difference,” Mr Leahy said.

Submissions to the Murray-Darling Basin Authority close on 1 May 2026 and can be lodged via email.

Further information, including all resources and submission templates can be accessed in the VFF website: https://vff.org.au/murray-darling-basin-plan/