The recent evaluation of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan highlights significant challenges in restoring the health of Australia’s largest river system. According to the report from the Murray-Darling Basin Authority, while improvements have been made, more localized efforts are essential to address ecological decline and enhance the river’s overall health.
The evaluation, described as the most comprehensive to date, assesses the impact of the A$13 billion plan initiated in 2012. The primary goal was to recover water for environmental sustainability while balancing agricultural and community needs. The report indicates that 2,069 billion litres of surface water has been successfully redirected for environmental use, accounting for approximately 28% of previously diverted water.
Despite these gains, the report reveals a mixed picture. While ecological decline has been halted at various locations, the sustained restoration of ecosystems across the basin remains elusive. Alarmingly, native fish populations are struggling in 19 of the basin’s 23 catchments. Climate change adds another layer of complexity, as projections indicate a potential 20–30% reduction in streamflow by mid-century due to more frequent extreme weather events.
Urgent Need for Localized Strategies
Experts in water, economics, and environmental research stress that the focus must now shift from merely recovering water to implementing localized restoration strategies. Samantha Capon, one of the report’s authors, identified nine priority actions aimed at revitalizing Australia’s inland river and groundwater ecosystems. These include revegetating land adjacent to waterways, retiring certain farmland, and improving fish passage through modified barriers and modern fish screens on irrigation pumps.
Implementing these actions is estimated to require around A$2.9 billion annually, if carried out over the next three decades. Such initiatives will necessitate collaboration with landholders and Traditional Owners, as many wetlands and floodplain areas are located on private property. The involvement of irrigators is crucial for installing fish screens or retiring farmland.
The report emphasizes that the basin plan should not only focus on water recovery but also establish targets for environmental outcomes. This approach allows for better tracking of local restoration benefits in conjunction with environmental flows, utilizing existing ecosystem accounting tools.
Future Directions and Recommendations
The evaluation marks the beginning of a comprehensive review of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan scheduled for 2026. This review will provide recommendations to Environment and Water Minister Murray Watt, who will determine if any modifications are necessary.
The report underscores the need for improved policy and program design, advocating for flexible approaches over rigid regulations. The cost of water reform continues to rise, with direct buybacks of water licenses—accounting for about two-thirds of water recovered under the basin plan—being a contentious yet effective method to achieve goals.
As the One Basin CRC continues its work, the urgency for a local approach becomes increasingly clear. While centralized government-led programs have facilitated water recovery, a sustainable future for the Murray-Darling Basin hinges on local restoration efforts. Without adequate funding and accountability, responsible agencies will struggle to implement essential measures.
The voices of experts like Michael Stewardson, CEO of the One Basin CRC, and research director Seth Westra call for immediate action. Their combined experience reflects a commitment to reviving the basin’s health and ensuring that it remains a vital resource for future generations.
