The Albanese Government welcomes the release of the Murray-Darling Basin Authority's 2025 Basin Plan Evaluation report and the Sustainable Rivers Audit.
The Murray-Darling Basin Authority reports comprehensively assess progress in implementing the Basin Plan and identify future challenges for the Basin.
Both make clear that the Basin Plan has delivered significant environmental gains and improved system-wide conditions, returning more than 2000 GL of water to the environment.
It has increased improved water flow to support fish movement and connectivity across the Basin.
It's also encouraged more native fish and waterbird breeding, and flushed more than 4 million tonnes of salt from the River Murray.
Minister for the Environment and Water, Murray Watt said the findings showed the Basin Plan was working, but there was more to do.
"The hard work of communities, farmers and governments to restore water use in the Basin to a sustainable level is paying off," Minister Watt said.
"Both reports confirm significant progress has been made under the Basin Plan and that the historic passage of the Restoring Our Rivers Act 2023 will ensure tangible outcomes are achieved after a decade of inaction under the former Liberal National Government.
"These reports give us further confirmation that we need to implement the Basin Plan as committed to in 2023, including recovery of water for the environment.
"Our Government will further build on this momentum to secure long-term sustainability for the environment and for Basin communities.
"We will continue to work with State Governments to deliver a healthier, more sustainable river system.
"And we will continue to work closely with the MDBA, our Basin counterparts, and the community to ensure the continued health of the Basin - as a home to millions, our food bowl, and a critical environmental asset."
The findings of these reports will be critical lines of evidence for the 2026 Basin Plan Review, which will inform the future of the Basin Plan.
To read the Evaluation visit Overview of the 2025 Basin Plan Evaluation and to read the audit visit the 2025 Sustainable Rivers Audit.
