The Murray-Darling
The Murray-Darling Basin is so much more than the two rivers it takes its name from.
It’s a mighty system of creeks, lakes and wetlands, with internationally protected sites like the Macquarie Marshes in NSW and the Coorong in SA. More than 2 million people rely on water from the Murray-Darling, including more than 40 First Nations. Hundreds of iconic native animals like the Murray Cod and platypus live in these rivers and wetlands, and depend on there being enough freshwater to survive.
16 internationally protected wetlands
286 threatened species
40+ First Nations
1 in 10 Australians call it home
Our rivers are hurting
Our biggest river system is being pushed to the brink. In the last decade alone, we’ve seen devastating mass fish kills, plummeting waterbird populations and whole towns run out of water.
While the river system is complex, the core problem is simple – too much water is being taken from the river.
We have created a system where big corporates dominate the water market, with powerful lobbyists who are able to stop more water being returned to the river. Traditional Owners have little say over how their lands and water are managed, despite decades of promises. And hundreds of threatened species are being pushed to the brink of extinction, without the water they need to survive. On top of all this, a hotter, drier climate is adding to these pressures.
The Basin Plan was meant to solve these problems. On the back of the devastating Millenium Drought, our governments came together to finally set a limit on how much water could be taken from the river, and to remove barriers so that water could flow more naturally to floodplains. But as we’ve seen in the 10 years since, this hasn’t gone to plan.
From the very beginning, powerful corporate interests lobbied for a weaker plan – and our governments buckled under the pressure.
Together, we can revive the rivers of the Murray-Darling and ensure thriving wetlands, healthy communities and water justice for First Nations.
Join thousands of Australians speaking up to restore the Murray-Darling.
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