The northern Basin has a unique climate and water management arrangements which mean a sustainable river system cannot be achieved by simply delivering water for the environment. To achieve a healthy working river system for the northern Basin, further measures are required.
The Northern Basin Review
The Northern Basin Review, conducted by the Murray–Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) between 2012 and 2016, resulted in a 70 gigalitre (GL) reduction to the 390 GL per year water recovery target in the north. This reduction was based on the adoption of a range of measures by the New South Wales and Queensland governments with assistance from the Australian Government.
These measures, such as the Northern Basin Toolkit measures and the Basin commitments package, are designed to improve water management practices and passage of flow without depending on additional water.
Last updated: 29 April 2025