28th November 2025
The Climate Outlook report from the Murray-Darling Basin Authority reinforces what communities, scientists and First Nations have warned for years - addressing worsening climate impacts will be crucial to the survival of Australia's largest river system.
We know Basin ecosystems are in decline, too much water is being taken from our rivers, and climate change will exacerbate these problems.
The report acknowledges that the Murray-Darling Basin will face a hotter, drier future, with more frequent droughts and extreme weather events. The outlook, reinforced by the 2025 Sustainable Yields project, highlights the urgency of responding to climate change in the 2026 Basin Plan review.
"Responding to our changing climate is the defining challenge of our time. Never more so than in the Murray-Darling Basin," said Craig Wilkins, Co-National Director of the Murray-Darling Conservation Alliance.
"At present, only 4% of wetlands across the Basin are getting enough water. In a drier climate, it will be even more important that we allocate water to restore the health of wetlands."
"It is essential the next Basin Plan takes into account a drier and hotter Basin, with less water flowing into our rivers, and much greater rainfall variability."
"In a drier climate it will be even more important that we protect base flows to ensure rivers keep flowing - especially in the NSW and Queensland parts of the Basin."
"Historically, the Darling/Baaka River stopped flowing about three to four times a century. Yet in the first 20 years of this century it stopped 25 times, including over 400 days of being completely dry, which has been devastating for communities, Traditional Owners, native fish and waterbirds."
"It's in everyone's interests for there to be a basic minimum flow in the Darling/Baaka River."
"We want to see healthy rivers, thriving wetlands and strong Basin communities. The Basin Plan Review is an opportunity to turn things around for our rivers."
"The federal government must now take up the challenge of delivering a revised Basin Plan that addresses climate change head on. To do that, the Plan needs to be ambitious and create meaningful change."
"We need bold action to restore Australia's largest river system back to health and we are optimistic that Federal Minister Murray Watt will take this opportunity and shape a better future for the Basin."
