The Murray–Darling Basin stretches across more than a million square kilometres, from alpine headwaters in the Snowy Mountains and the upper reaches of the Darling Baaka river system, to the Murray mouth on Ngarrindjeri Country in South Australia. Its rivers, wetlands and floodplains sustain 2.4 million people and provide habitat for species found nowhere else on earth.
The Murray–Darling Basin Authority is conducting its first review of the Basin Plan, a national framework that aims to ensure there is enough water for rivers, wetlands, communities and industry, now and for future generations. The next review won’t happen for another 10 years. The timing couldn’t be more critical.
Where water has been returned to rivers and wetlands, fish populations have recovered, and ecosystems have started to bounce back. Elsewhere, the Plan is failing to do its job.
Preventing ecological collapse
Two major Basin ecosystems are now listed as endangered ecological communities. The Lower Murray River system is listed as critically endangered, which means it faces an extremely high risk of collapse in the next ten years – before the Basin Plan is reviewed again.
The wetlands and inner floodplains of the internationally significant Macquarie Marshes are listed as endangered – that means it faces a very high risk of extinction in the next 20 years.
Climate change, a long history of over‑extraction, and the continued exclusion of First Nations from water ownership and management are compounding risks to the river system.
The Basin Authority is calling for public submissions on its Basin Plan Discussion Paper. Submissions close at 5pm (AEST) on Friday, 1 May.
Make a submission
We’ve prepared a submission guide to help people understand what’s at stake, the legal framework for water management in the Basin, and how to make a strong, effective submission.
