We unveiled the Basin Plan Review Early Insights Paper, convened near the headwaters of the River Murray for River Reflections, travelled all across the Basin, and worked with communities to tackle complex issues and opportunities.
We shared a lot with you in 2024 – these are your top read stories:
1. The majestic Murray River dominates tourism icon category
We might be a bit bias but we’re chuffed (and not surprised) that the mighty Murray River is featured in Australian Traveller’s Top 10 Aussie Wonders. The Murray River came in at number 2 in the 10 must-see iconic wonders of Australia category, behind Uluru and ahead of Sydney Harbour and the Great Barrier Reef!
2. Water balance just right for pelican breeding
Year after year, Lake Brewster in the lower Lachlan is proving to be the most important inland nesting site for pelicans. The lake is shallow, generally less than 3 meters deep. The water level fluctuates due to filling and draining. So, it functions as a wetland for many native species.
3. Saving the glassfish from extinction
Dr Kerezsy played a key role in a project that found and protected a new group of small, endangered fish. Although his work is conducted independently of the MDBA, we are sharing his story to bring attention to native fish recovery in the Basin. The discovery and rescue of a new population of endangered olive perchlet shows the benefits of organisations working together.
4. $66 million modelling upgrades to bring better Basin information
The Australian Government’s $66 million river modelling investment will help water managers make more timely, reliable and transparent water management decisions. While the river models have worked well in the past, governments need to ensure these vital tools – which water managers rely on for their own decision making – are fit to support future decisions.
5. Early Insights into the 2026 Basin Plan Review
The MDBA has opened the door on early insights about Basin water management, sustainable diversion limits and outcomes-based regulation issues to inform the 2026 Basin Plan Review. Released at River Reflections 2024, the Early Insights Paper provides the Authority’s view on what may be necessary to ensure the Basin Plan supports Basin water management to adapt to future conditions.
6. Meet the next generation of river modellers
Hydrological modellers play a key role by studying water behaviour in changing environments. They use computer simulations to analyse water flow, usage, rainfall and weather events, helping to predict future scenarios and inform policy.
Learn how the MDBA is partnering with states to create new river modelling roles, enhancing capability and building a deeper understanding of the Basin.
7. Protecting Cultural heritage for generations to come
The MDBA has been granted a new permit to support operation of Lake Victoria (Tar-Ru) while minimising impact to and enabling conservation of Aboriginal Cultural Heritage. The permit allows for the ongoing use and management of the Lake as a water storage facility in conjunction with associated management activities.
8. International Women’s Day 2024
This year we celebrated International Women’s Day (IWD) by profiling some of the incredible women who work at the Murray–Darling Basin Authority (MDBA). Learn how these 6 women are committing to inspire other women, or how they have been inspired by other special women in their lives.
9. Mildura Weir named best maintained and managed asset along River Murray
The 2023 JS Collings Trophy for excellence in maintaining major water management infrastructure on the River Murray has been awarded to Mildura Weir by the Murray–Darling Basin Authority (MDBA). The team from Mildura weir stood out in 2023, having removed and reinstated the trestles multiple times over 2022 and 2023.
10. Listening to First Nations peoples’ perspectives
After a series of listening tours and meeting with more than 200 First Nations people in the northern Basin, the message is overwhelmingly clear: we need to work better and walk forward together, to achieve better outcomes for communities and rivers for generations.
