The Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder (CEWH) has welcomed the Murray-Darling Basin Authority's Basin Plan Evaluation and Sustainable Rivers Audit reports while acknowledging there's more work to be done.
Acting CEWH Dr Marcus Finn said the evaluation, released today, shone the spotlight on the many successes of the Basin Plan to date, especially the effectiveness of Commonwealth water for the environment where it can be delivered.
"The Basin Plan is world-leading in its ambition and scale, and the evaluation confirms that we can build on the results it has delivered to date," Dr Finn said.
"This five-year evaluation confirms the importance and effectiveness of environmental water delivery across the Basin, and highlights the tangible benefits that sustained, science-based water management is achieving for rivers, wetlands and floodplains-particularly in the face of increasing climate extremes.
"We're proud that our environmental watering actions have led to real improvements in river connectivity, enhanced wetland conditions and increased ecosystem resilience over the past decade and we have the independent scientific monitoring to show this is the case."
Commonwealth environmental water has contributed to:
- Healthier river systems, with improved connectivity and resilience across key sites such as the Gwydir, Lachlan, Murrumbidgee, and Lower Murray regions
- Benefits to native species, including waterbirds, fish, frogs and vegetation, noting there are more gains to be made especially for native fish
- Support for First Nations values and cultural uses of water, through partnerships and co-designed projects
- Improved water quality and ecosystem function, particularly during dry and low-flow periods.
Dr Finn said the Basin Plan evaluation provided insights to three of the CEWH's highest policy priorities - taking steps on operational and physical constraints relaxation, connectivity of the whole Murray-Darling Basin river system and complementary measures like fishways that help fish move more easily.
"It highlights the importance of the continued work that's needed to ensure physical constraints are removed and policy or rule changes made to enable water for the environment to get where it's needed, when it's needed," Dr Finn said.
Looking ahead, the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder remains committed to:
- Adaptive management informed by robust monitoring, evaluation and local knowledge
- Collaborative delivery with state partners, community groups, and First Nations organisations
- Transparent reporting and engagement, as we prepare for the Basin Plan's 2026 review.
"We will optimise the use of Commonwealth environmental water by harnessing knowledge and building partnerships by continuing to work with Basin governments and delivery partners, First Nations, industry and community stakeholders and our research teams to help secure the health of the Murray-Darling Basin for future generations," Dr Finn said.
"Together we will ensure the Basin Plan remains anchored in environmental needs, cultural and community values, and long-term resilience."
