-The climate of the Murray–Darling Basin is changing. Over the last 20 years, the Basin has experienced increased temperatures and decreased rainfall. The combined effect has been reduced river inflows and soil moisture levels, adding stress to the social, environmental, cultural and economic fabric of the Basin.
-In December last year, the MDBA released the findings from the 2020 Basin Plan Evaluation. This work demonstrated that the Basin Plan is having a significant and positive impact on the environment and communities, but it also found that the prevailing climate over the last eight years has tested the policy in extreme climate conditions.
- The Basin Plan includes a series of climate-related measures. Some of these measures built on pre-existing jurisdictional actions; some of the measures were new. Overall, these measures have helped buffer critical aspects of the river system against climate stress. But further adaptation is required — anticipated changes in the climate are expected to result in progressive impacts across the Basin, but also to provide opportunities for some industries or parts of the ecosystem.
- It is important that Basin governments and stakeholders have a shared understanding of the risks posed by climate adaptation. The MDBA is implementing a wide-ranging work program to bring forward the best science to support community adaptation and improved climate-resilient water planning - which will be discussed in this talk. This includes the Commonwealth Government’s investment in climate science through the Water & Environmental Research Program.