Sorry, your browser is out-of-date!

Update your browser to view this website correctly.

Microsoft no longer supports Internet Explorer. Please download their replacement Edge or another modern browser such as Chrome, Safari or Firefox. This site will not be fully functional using Internet Explorer.

Topics > River Murray > Basin Plan

Why the Murray-Darling Basin is so important

Environmental

  • 30,000 wetlands including 16 internationally significant wetlands (Ramsar sites).
  • 120 water bird species and 46 native fish species are found in the Basin.
  • Home to 95 threatened species of animals and plants including 35 birds, 16 mammals and 5 snakes.

Social

  • More than 3 million Australians rely on the Murray-Darling Basin rivers for drinking water, including Canberra and Adelaide.
  • Home to more than 40 Aboriginal Nations with deep cultural, social, environmental, spiritual and economic connection to their lands and waters.
  • Healthy water resources provide Basin residents with a sense of place, psychological wellbeing and local identity.

Economic

  • The Basin produces $22 billion worth of food and fibre every year.
  • Irrigated agriculture has been maintained at around $7 billion annually even with recovery of water for the environment.
  • Spending on tourism in the Basin is now worth around $7.5 billion per year, with Australians making 17 million visits annually for recreation.
  • Recreational fishing is estimated to be worth around $1 billion each year, generating more than 10,000 jobs.