Basin-wide environmental watering strategy

The Basin-wide environmental watering strategy, first published in 2014 and updated in 2019, builds on the environmental objectives in the Basin Plan. It sets out the improvements that we expect to see for river flows and connectivity, native vegetation, waterbirds and native fish with the water being recovered for the Basin environment and other measures to improve flows in the river system.

The strategy supports environmental water holders, Basin state governments, water managers and river operators to plan and manage environmental watering at a Basin scale and over the long term, to achieve the environmental objectives of the Basin Plan. It is complemented by regional long-term watering plans for each water resource plan area, which have a catchment focus.

Review of the strategy every five years

The Basin Plan requires the strategy to be reviewed at least every five years. The strategy was first published in November 2014. The MDBA reviewed the strategy and in August 2019 published a report of the review with a draft revised strategy and overview, seeking public feedback. These documents can be viewed below.

The MDBA received a number of submissions during the consultation period. Submissions that were not confidential can be viewed on the MDBA’s Get Involved site. A summary of what people told us and how we responded can be found in the updated strategy.

Water for the environment is river water specifically set aside by Basin governments to restore, maintain and improve the ecological health of rivers, floodplains and wetlands.

• More about deciding where water for the environment goes