Recently we released our update to the 2022-23 Annual Operating Outlook for the River Murray system.
The Outlook explains how the Murray–Darling Basin Authority might run the river under a range of climate scenarios, which helps water users and river managers to plan. This update shows the volume of water flowing into the Murray system during November and December was the largest recorded for 127 years. That gives us a clear picture of just how much of an impact the rain and floods had across the Basin.
Last month, Minister Plibersek hosted state and territory water ministers in Sydney for a Murray–Darling Basin Ministerial Council meeting. The impact of flooding on Basin catchments and communities, the next steps to deliver the Basin Plan and opportunities to strengthen the role of First Nations in water management were among the important topics discussed. Ministers plan to meet again in a few months.
The Murray–Darling Basin Authority decided last month that we would publicly release a roadmap that would guide our path to the 2026 Basin Plan Review.
And finally, MDBA staff from all corners of the Basin gathered in Canberra recently to discuss how we work together for the benefit of rivers, for generations. Through our fabulous Regional Engagement Officers – or REOs – the MDBA has a presence in many Basin communities, which enables us to directly connect with community members and listen to what they have to say, as well as providing us with a very valuable source of local knowledge and experiences to feed into our activities and operations.
I can assure you - we’re passionate about maintaining a sustainable future for the Basin and we’re focussed on achieving the outcomes promised in the Basin Plan.
Contact the MDBA media office at media@mdba.gov.au or 02 6279 0141
Contact the CEWH media office at media@environment.gov.au or 02 6275 9880
Contact the NSW media office at media@dpie.nsw.gov.au or 0499 699 460