Australia's top environmental water science program, Flow-MER, was recently featured on the world stage. Dr Simon Banks, the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder, gave a keynote speech at the 2025 International River Symposium in Brisbane.
Now in its 11th year, Flow-MER - which stands for Monitoring, Evaluation and Research - is changing how Australia uses water to help nature. The idea is simple: Science helps us see what nature needs.
It all started in 2009, when water was pumped into a small wetland in South Australia. Since then, Flow-MER has grown into one of the biggest riverine science programs in the world.
Today, it supports 56 ecosystems and has delivered over 18,000 gigalitres of water across the Murray-Darling Basin - an area as big as France, home to more than 2.4 million people.
Dr Banks said Flow-MER is more than just research. It's the foundation for how Australia manages water for the environment.
Flow-MER by Numbers
- 29,000 km of rivers and creeks supported.
- 455,000 hectares of wetlands, floodplains, and estuaries filled.
- 11 Ramsar-listed wetlands protected.
- 804 plant species identified.
- 137 bird and raptor species recorded.
- Over $100 million invested in research.
- 200+ scientists involved, including 80 early-career researchers.
- 150+ partnerships with First Nations groups, CSIRO, universities, and communities.
Built on knowledge
Flow-MER uses real-time data to guide water delivery. Its strength is in teamwork - with 10 regional hubs, 9 research partners, and strong input from First Nations knowledge through the First Nations Flow-MER Strategy.
This strategy makes sure cultural values are part of the science. It also helps decisions benefit from thousands of years of ecological wisdom. Flow-MER is also training the next generation of scientists and cultural leaders.
Science in action
Dr Banks shared some success stories:
- Golden perch nurseries in Lake Cawndilla and the Great Darling Anabranch.
- 63,000 tagged fish tracked using Flow-MER data.
- Nearly one million ibis chicks raised thanks to wetland support.
- Major fishway projects like removing Tea Gardens Weir, restoring 270 km of habitat.
- Re-snagging the Darling-Baaka River to help native fish like Murray cod.
Flow-MER's data doesn't just help nature - it also shapes policy, investment, and long-term planning.
Dr Banks said Flow-MER connects science to strategy, and water to results.
Looking ahead
As climate change and water pressures grow, smart, science-based management is more important than ever. Flow-MER has been extended to 2030, making sure Australia's environmental water use stays flexible, inclusive, and based on the best knowledge.
"The Murray-Darling Basin is alive, complex, and deeply valued - and it's in capable hands," Dr Banks said.
"Our vision is clear: Healthy rivers for healthy communities - valuing every drop."
