Join us in helping shape the next chapter in Murray-Darling Basin environmental water management.
The following can be attributed to Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder, Dr Simon Banks:
Australia's rivers are more than water. They are life, livelihood, culture and connection. Our rivers link communities, floodplains, wetlands and wildlife across more than a million square kilometres in the Murray-Darling Basin. At the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder, or 'the CEWH', we have learnt a lot over more than 15 years about how to use environmental water efficiently and effectively to best support these rivers. I am deeply committed to strong stewardship of this $11 billion public asset on behalf of the Australian community.
Water being set aside for the environment has been a game changer. Since 2009, more than 19,000 gigalitres of Commonwealth environmental water has reached over 28,000 kilometres of waterways and revived nearly half a million hectares of habitat. Native fish have migrated and spawned, waterbirds have nested in record numbers and threatened species, like the southern bell frog, are returning to their former habitat.
These successes reflect strong partnerships and more than a decade of evidence through the CEWH's monitoring and science program, Flow-MER. The expertise and knowledge that have guided our work also confirm deeper lessons for the future: environmental water alone cannot tackle the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
The CEWH is internationally unique. Nowhere else in the world has environmental water been managed at this scale. Australians can be proud of our shared commitment to protect the Murray-Darling Basin for current and future generations. While many countries face similar pressures on rivers that cross borders, few have made such an enduring commitment to shared water stewardship. Our efforts give Australia an opportunity to lead by example, a responsibility I take seriously.
Much has been achieved, but the task ahead demands more. At the CEWH, our focus is on optimising the management of environmental water. This means:
- actively trading water and investing in on-ground environmental activities or complementary measures
- harnessing science and knowledge to support day-to-day management and continuous improvement
- recognising the knowledge, connection and care of the people who live along - and love - our rivers.
By working closely with First Nations peoples, local communities, landholders, scientists and agencies as partners, we can achieve our vision of Healthy rivers for healthy communities - valuing every drop.
However, optimising environmental water management also requires broader reforms. We can't do it alone. With the Basin Plan Review this year, this is a moment for reflection and improvement.
Key actions include:
- evolving water management and operating rules to better meet the needs of all users, including the environment
- investing in environmentally sensitive infrastructure and making progress on relaxing constraints and other complementary measures
- simplifying environmental water governance.
Historically, water management and rules in the Basin have focused on water extraction for irrigation and human needs. Environmental water is a comparatively recent addition, and while progress has been made in adapting how we manage water, existing rules and systems were not designed with this purpose in mind. If we continue to rely on frameworks designed for a different era, we will limit the potential of environmental water now and into the future. Rules and policies need to keep evolving to be fit for purpose for all water users, including the environment.
The flows that sustain our river ecosystems - base flows, first flushes and floodplain connectivity, for example - have been significantly disrupted and are under further pressure from climate change. Too often, environmental water has had to compensate for limitations in planning and regulation, particularly during drought and extreme water quality events. These issues need to be addressed as part of modernising Basin water management and operating rules.
We also need to review and, where possible, adapt infrastructure, rules and other obstacles that stop water from getting to the right place, at the right time, to support the plants, animals and people that depend on it. This includes ensuring river operations and infrastructure are more environmentally sensitive and fish friendly.
Evolving water management must include stronger and more meaningful involvement of First Nations peoples. This requires addressing barriers to accessing and owning water, supporting First Nations organisations to manage water and waterways, and continuing to build genuine two‑way knowledge sharing.
There is also an opportunity to:
- simplify environmental water governance, including by reducing duplication in annual planning processes
- streamline reporting to focus on what matters to the community
- strengthen long‑term, Basin‑wide environmental outcomes
- improve the capacity of the CEWH to operate independently in support of both local and Basin outcomes.
Under my leadership, I will advocate for the changes that are needed. Improving the rules and streamlining governance are essential if environmental water is to deliver its full potential. I am committed to maintaining public transparency of our work, not only through legislative reporting commitments, but also through proactive, regular communication and engagement. Whether this is our fortnightly water-use map, monthly water holdings reports, subscriber newsletter or a yarn with one of our Local Engagement Officers, stakeholders can readily access information about Commonwealth environmental water.
I'm proud to lead the CEWH's current work and proud of the foundations laid more than 15 years ago. We continue this important legacy to ensure that the rivers, wetlands, wildlife and communities of the Murray-Darling Basin have the best chance to thrive.
Sustainable water management is one of the greatest environmental challenges of our time. We have proven that environmental water delivers ecological resilience. It can help ecosystems cope with hotter, drier and more variable conditions, demonstrating it plays an important role in both wet and dry times. Adaptive management will help to shield the Basin from the uncertainty and the extremes that our continent is so famous for.
Despite the challenges, I am optimistic. The Basin Plan Review represents an opportunity to strengthen the foundations of water management for the next decade and beyond. My team and I are actively engaging in this review to ensure shared understanding of the barriers and opportunities before us.
We all share responsibility for shaping sensible, sustainable water management. I encourage all stakeholders to lean in, share their insights and contribute to making positive change.
Water is life. Now is the time to act.
