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The Murray–Darling Basin has a highly variable climate, with conditions differing each year and across regions. Planning for wet and dry conditions is a major challenge for river operators, water resource managers and the community.

The Advisory Committee on Social, Economic and Environmental Sciences (ACSEES) is an important source of independent, strategic advice to the Murray–Darling Basin Authority. The committee's work helps to ensure the Basin Plan is confidently implemented with the support of robust science and knowledge.

The Murray–Darling Basin social and economic conditions report will help fill gaps in MDBA’s socio-economic reporting. It is one of the 15 projects under the Basin Condition Monitoring Program.

The 2017 Basin Plan Evaluation considers environmental, social, cultural and economic outcomes seen so far, and whether these outcomes are in line with what was expected 5 years before. A series of technical reports providing in-depth analysis and results have been developed.

Water across the southern-connected Basin is managed. This means flows in the River Murray are controlled to some extent to ensure water is stored and delivered when and where it’s needed. The term used to describe the management of water in this way is 'regulated'.

The 2020 Basin Plan Evaluation and recent reviews highlight an urgent need for targeted and focused support for communities in the Basin, particularly smaller, irrigation-dependent and remote communities. This requires meaningful engagement to customise support and provide improved information.

The Murray–Darling Basin Agreement is a long-standing arrangement that aims to share water in the southern Basin. It outlines the rules for the way the River Murray is managed and operated.

Over recent years there have been significant changes on the River Murray, including expansion of permanent horticulture, recovery of water for the environment, increased trade and reduced channel capacity through the Barmah–Millewa forest. These changes have resulted in concerns that the river system will not be able to deliver water allocation to users when they need it.

A positive opening balance means water will be available to be traded in the River Murray from above the Barmah Choke to below the choke on 1 July 2021.

State governments are responsible for allocating water. Each state approaches allocations differently, and multiple factors can affect allocations.