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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.

The Basin is a complex, diverse and dynamic system of waterways. It is constantly changing in response to the influences of people, climate and the way water is used for production, communities and the environment. The Basin Plan was introduced to help restore a healthy and productive Basin and will take many years to achieve.

Water entitlements for the environment are used by environmental water holders to improve the health of our rivers, wetlands and floodplains and the plants and animals who depend on these for their survival. They are now a permanent part of water management in the Basin.

Hydrological conditions often differ each year and across regions of the Basin. Planning for dry conditions is a major challenge for river operators, water resource managers and the community.

The 2020 Evaluation Framework sets out the overarching approach to the Murray–Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) led evaluation of the effectiveness of the Basin Plan.

The annual Water Take report 2019–20 reports the availability and use of water from the Murray–Darling Basin based on states reporting under the sustainable diversion limits.

When parts of the Murray–Darling Basin are in drought it affects the whole river system, including plants and animals, the communities of the Basin, and farming and food production.

The 2020 Basin Plan Evaluation shows the Basin Plan is achieving positive outcomes – measurable environmental outcomes have been observed at the Basin-scale, along with some good local projects involving communities and industries.

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.

We recommended amendments to the Basin Plan. The amendments became law in July 2018. The amendments related to the northern Basin, groundwater and some minor practical changes.