Independent River Murray Flood Review

Published: 18 December 2024

To identify, evaluate, and recommend opportunities to further improve flood forecasting and management.

The review was commissioned by the Murray–Darling Basin Ministerial Council to identify, evaluate, and recommend opportunities to further improve flood forecasting and management.

It provides a detailed analysis of how authorities worked together during the 20222023 flood event under challenging conditions, offering vital lessons on preparedness, communication, and coordination across all levels of government.

The report highlights the major efforts undertaken by the Murray–Darling Basin Authority, Basin state governments, local councils, emergency services, and communities across South Australia, Victoria, and New South Wales.

It stresses the importance of collaboration to mitigate the impact of future flooding events while recognising that climate change and more extreme weather patterns will pose increasing challenges to managing water in the Basin.

Work responding to the 14 recommendations is progressing, including those around flood forecasting, emergency response, and post-flood recovery efforts to better manage future flood risks. 

River Murray Flood Review

Read the full River Murray Flood Review and the joint government response to the recommendations.