A BROAD-BASED regional group has urged Federal Parliament's independent politicians not to forget the needs of the Murray-Darling Basin communities.

A group of southern New South Wales municipal, community and business leaders across the Murray region have called on independents Bob Katter, Tony Windsor and Rob Oakshott to help shape a different future for Australia's recognised foodbowl region.

The group has used the findings of a concerning socio-economic study as the basis of its approach to the independents as they consider which major party will gain their support in Government.

The early findings of a socio-economic study showed that any further removal of water under the yet-to-be-released Basin Plan would cause "irreparable damage" to their communities.

The Murray Darling Basin Authority announced on Wednesday that the draft Basin Plan - delayed because of the election - would be released on October 8.

The Murray Group of Concerned Communities has been established in response to the "apparent political disregard for the impact the plan will have on basin communities, businesses and families and the lack of consultation and participation that is being offered to their communities."

The Murray group is led by a nine-member steering committee and is backed by a group of southern NSW municipal councils, including Wakool Shire Council.

Steering committee member, Jerilderie Mayor, Terry Hogan said that the three independents, considering their background, would appreciate more than most that water underpins the entire socio-economic fabric of our regional communities.

"In the absence of a long-term vision or a business plan and without considering the social, economic and community aspects, this legislation has the capacity to cause a government-driven drought on top of the worst drought that this country has experienced," Cr Hogan said.

Steering Committee member and Wakool Landholder Group chairman, David May said the idea of the group is for industry, agriculture, community and local government to come up with a common theme that would benefit everyone.

"We feel the government hasn't taken into consideration the socio-economic impacts the plan will have, and unless we get that balance the plan won't work," Mr May said.

The community leaders want the Murray Darling Basin Authority and the Federal Government to take a more balanced approach to the Basin issue and give the community and socio-economic implications equal weight to the environment.