Science and the draft Basin Plan

The Authority has always relied heavily on both internationally and nationally peer-reviewed science in developing the Basin Plan. The science underpinning the Basin Plan outlines the Authority's approach to ensuring that the draft Basin Plan represents a sensible starting point for the seven years of implementation to 2019.

CSIRO Review

The Authority invited CSIRO to lead a review on how the hydrologic indicator site method has been applied to determine the sustainable level of diversion in the Basin.

The review is looking at the scientific information, models and modelling that the Authority has used in developing the Basin Plan. It considers the science used to determine the sustainable diversion limits, which are also based on social and economic considerations that the review does not consider.  

The proposed "environmentally sustainable level of take" for surface water of the Murray–Darling Basin: Method and Outcomes

Sustainable Diversion Limits will replace the existing cap on water use and are set at both a catchment and Basin-wide scale. The Water Act 2007 requires that these new limits are determined based on an assessment of the environmentally sustainable level of take – the Authority has to assess how much water can be taken from the Basin without compromising the environment. This report outlines the methods and modelled outcomes of the Environmentally Sustainable Level of Take process.
Download the report [PDF 4.7MB]

Hydrologic modelling to inform the proposed Basin Plan: Methods and results

The hydrological modelling report provides a description of the models and the methods employed to inform the proposed ESLT. This report describes changes in flow regimes across the Basin as a consequence of different reductions in consumptive use. This work is a fundamental part of a larger framework of assessments and analysis that the MDBA has undertaken as part of developing the draft Basin Plan.
Download the report [PDF 8.4MB]

Assessment of environmental water requirements for the proposed Basin Plan

The MDBA has undertaken detailed assessments of environmental water requirements for a range of sites across the Basin.

A number of reports provide details about the eco-hydrological assessment of environmental water requirements, including the Barmah-Millewa Forest report which was previously linked to this page.

The Authority also previously commissioned peer-reviewed science over the past 18 months in developing the Basin Plan. 

The scientific reports underpinning the plan are available from the Basin Plan Knowledge and Information Directory as they become available.

The Chair also recently wrote to environmental organisations in response to their concerns. This letter provides a good summary of the scientific work carried out in developing the plan.