“The MDBA has so far received about 1000 items of feedback,” chief executive Rob Freeman said.

“With so many items being received before the end of November we have already assessed a large body of information. As a result, we are now able to guarantee that feedback received by December 17 will be considered in drafting the proposed Basin Plan.

“We have said all along that we will consider all feedback in good faith. If feedback is received after December 17, it will still be considered in the drafting of the final Basin Plan, along with feedback received during the consultation process for the proposed Basin Plan.”

Where people find this new date impossible to comply with, the Authority has suggested that people might consider providing their feedback in instalments.

In addition, the Authority is prepared to consider any individual requests for further extensions where there might be particular issues.

The Authority released the Guide as an additional step in the process of developing the Basin Plan.

The next stage is the release of a proposed Basin Plan and another extensive community consultation process before the Basin Plan is presented to the Federal Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities.

The MDBA welcomes further feedback on the Guide to the proposed Basin Plan and would like to express its thanks for all the views and input it has received to date.

Feedback can be provided via the MDBA website https://plancomment.mdba.gov.au and phone 1800 230 067.