The independent review, which was initiated by federal Water Minister David Littleproud in June, aims to investigate the underlying causes of social and economic conditions in communities across the basin.

Ms Ley said during a visit to Griffith on Monday the review can provide changes which will allow irrigators to have better access to water.

"It's not just another review," Ms Ley said.

"In my view, it can come up with changes to the operating rules inside the basin plan that gives more security of access to water.

"I believe there are sensible rule changes that can be made that give us - it won't be huge amount of allocation - but it will be something and every percentage matters."

MIA irrigators recently received a boost in their general security allocations from zero to three per cent however Ms Ley encouraged the state government to do more to provide further support to irrigators.

"As I understand it, the state government has already done some things to assist with water access charges," Ms Ley said.

"But anything more, of course I would encourage them to look at, because I see and hear everyday about how, the challenges of our region... and the costs with so little return."

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However, Ms Ley was adamant any changes to water policy would need the backing of all three states involved with the water sharing agreement and said the current allocation system is purely a state government matter.

"We do have to make some changes for the sake of general security users in the southern basin who at the moment are very badly affected," she said.

"But that's where our next step as a government is going to go because we then have to get all the changes agreed to and passed by the states.

"The Commonwealth can't unilaterally change water policy when it comes to the issues that are of great concern.

"Our next step is to see the outcome of that review and take those changes to meetings of ministers and I think we'll get somewhere."

The review will deliver a preliminary report to the government in December with the final report due in April 2020.

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