LOCAL irrigators will have an extra two weeks to provide feedback on a draft plan to manage northern Victoria’s water resources.

Irrigators called for proper consultation on the 1000-page draft Water Resource Plan, a vital plank of the Murray Darling Basin Plan, and secured an extension until March 18.

Member for Murray Plains Peter Walsh said the extension was needed.

“The Water Resource Plan sets out how Victoria plans to meet its obligations under the Murray Darling Basin Plan,” Mr Walsh said.

“It’s critical our local irrigators and communities can have a genuine say on this plan so we can have confidence in how the Basin Plan will be implemented.

“Irrigators had clear concerns with the Andrews Government’s attempt to rush consultation. Now we’ve successfully secured more time for people to get across the Water Resource Plan I urge everyone to have their say.”

The Water Resource Plan is a roadmap for the state’s implementation of the Basin Plan.

It sets out how much water can be taken from farms, towns and industry, what water is available to the environment and how that water can be used, the rules for ground water change and strategies to manage risks.

The deadline for community consultation on the draft Water Resource Plan has been extended from March 4 to March 18.