The landscapes of the Basin are varied and extreme. There are subtropical rainforests in the north, southern alpine meadows and snowfields and western semi-arid deserts.
The rivers and lakes of the Basin support unique habitats critical to waterbirds, native fish, reptiles and protected wetlands.
Our reliance on the Basin
Water is needed for farming, communities, industries, indigenous cultural practices, and plants and animals. These competing needs must be balanced for a sustainable future.
We’re continually improving our understanding of the complex connections between climate, river flows, and river-related outcomes for communities, industries, and the environment.
Evaluating the use of water for the environment to protect native fish in northern Basin rivers.
What lies beneath the water?
For a second year, citizen scientists have collected water samples for the Great Australian Wildlife Search. This project uses environmental DNA (eDNA) to investigate what aquatic animals are living in our waterbodies.
We work with state governments to manage water and infrastructure in the Murray–Darling Basin. Water is managed to make sure it’s safe and delivered to the people who need it. We manage water to protect our rivers for generations.
We’re preparing for the 2026 Basin Plan Review, to make sure the Basin Plan continues to respond to changing environment, community and industry needs, as we protect rivers for generations.
Groundwater is stored in fractured rocks, porous rocks and soils called aquifers, it can be connected to surface water, which includes the water in our rivers and wetlands.
Hume Dam
Hume Reservoir plays a vital role in water management, energy production, and flood control – while also serving as a key site for tourism and recreation.
Water is used for a variety of purposes within the Murray–Darling Basin. There are rules around how water is shared. Once allocated, water can be used, stored, traded or reallocated.
Trade is vital for irrigators by allowing flexibility in response to water availability.
Water Take Report
The MDBA publishes an annual Water Take Report which analyses the data and longer-term trends of water use based on the sustainable diversion limits (SDL) Registers of Take.
We provide educational posters, maps, and more that you can download.
Constraints Relaxation Implementation Roadmap
The Roadmap has been developed to assist the Commonwealth and Basin states to identify, develop, and implement measures to relax constraints and provide a pathway for a common approach across river systems and jurisdictions.
We are committed to good and transparent governance. Here you will find information about our planning, reporting and other documentation about our business.
The Murray–Darling Basin Authority has welcomed the endorsement of the Murray–Darling Basin Compliance Compact by the Prime Minister Scott Morrison and the state and territory First Ministers...
The Murray–Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) welcomes the steps New South Wales is taking to strengthen water management arrangements in the Murray–Darling Basin with public consultation on a...
The Murray–Darling Basin Authority has delivered on another recommendation of a Basin-wide review of compliance, by increasing transparency and accountability in the development and...
The Murray–Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) continues to deliver on commitments made as part of a Basin-wide review of compliance, today announcing membership of an Independent Assurance...
The Murray–Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) stands by the Northern Basin review process and urges all parties to examine its detailed and published evidence when considering the amendments...
The Murray–Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) has welcomed the shared commitment of Basin ministers to develop a Basin Compliance Compact as a top priority, to give all Australians greater...
The Murray–Darling Basin Authority and Independent Panel have released their review into compliance matters across the Murray–Darling Basin. The Review comprises two reports, one prepared by...