The Murray–Darling Basin
The Murray–Darling Basin traverses much of south-eastern Australia, across New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Victoria and the Australian Capital Territory. The rivers system is important for communities, industries and for the environment. It is important ecologically, containing 16 Ramsar listed wetlands, is home to 2.6 million people and produces $24 billion in agricultural production a year.
Murray–Darling Basin Plan
The Murray–Darling Basin Plan is a long-term $13 billion investment in Australia’s most important food bowl, its people and its environment.
The Murray–Darling Basin Plan is a plan by all Basin governments to restore the Basin's rivers and wetlands to health while supporting strong regional communities and sustainable food production. To return the Murray–Darling river system to health, the Basin Plan requires recovery of 2 750 GL of consumptive water for the environment.
Investing in the Basin and its communities
The Basin Plan is focused on achieving a sustainable and certain future for the Basin, its people, industries and environment. Significant progress has been made in implementing elements of the Basin Plan while some components are behind schedule.
The Australian Government is supporting Basin states to continue to implement the plan through the Murray–Darling Communities Investment Package which details 11 actions, supported by over $230 million in funding.
Programs
Find out what initiatives we have for Basin businesses, farmers, and communities.