Go Back

Murray–Darling Water and Environment Research Program

View of the river with Red gums on the bank

The Murray–Darling Water and Environment Research Program is a 4-year, $20 million Australian Government initiative to strengthen scientific knowledge of the Murray–Darling Basin through generating new knowledge, innovation and tools across the themes of:

MD-WERP also assists the Australian Government in addressing Basin Plan objectives and responding to emerging issues by investing in short-term, tactical projects.

Commonwealth partners (Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder, and Murray–Darling Basin Authority) is collaborating with a research consortium to deliver research that will benefit the Basin and its communities for years to come.

The overarching MD–WERP Research Consortium comprises two consortia:

  • CSIRO have established a consortium with Deakin University, eWater and Alluvium to deliver research on the 2 themes of climate change and hydrology.
  • La Trobe University established a consortium with Griffith University, Murray Lower Darling Rivers Indigenous Nations and IDEEA Group. They are delivering research on environmental outcomes, and social, economic and cultural outcomes.

In 2021 researchers, water policy and water managers, along with First Nations, co-designed the research program to help ensure the research meets the needs of the end users.

Any enquiries can be sent to MDWERP@mdba.gov.au.

Find out more

Find out more information in the Document Library.

Subscribe to the project page up in the right-hand corner, and we'll provide you with updates.

The Murray–Darling Water and Environment Research Program is a 4-year, $20 million Australian Government initiative to strengthen scientific knowledge of the Murray–Darling Basin through generating new knowledge, innovation and tools across the themes of:

MD-WERP also assists the Australian Government in addressing Basin Plan objectives and responding to emerging issues by investing in short-term, tactical projects.

Commonwealth partners (Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder, and Murray–Darling Basin Authority) is collaborating with a research consortium to deliver research that will benefit the Basin and its communities for years to come.

The overarching MD–WERP Research Consortium comprises two consortia:

  • CSIRO have established a consortium with Deakin University, eWater and Alluvium to deliver research on the 2 themes of climate change and hydrology.
  • La Trobe University established a consortium with Griffith University, Murray Lower Darling Rivers Indigenous Nations and IDEEA Group. They are delivering research on environmental outcomes, and social, economic and cultural outcomes.

In 2021 researchers, water policy and water managers, along with First Nations, co-designed the research program to help ensure the research meets the needs of the end users.

Any enquiries can be sent to MDWERP@mdba.gov.au.

Find out more

Find out more information in the Document Library.

Subscribe to the project page up in the right-hand corner, and we'll provide you with updates.

  • MD-WERP Mid-Term Evaluation

    The MD-WERP mid-term evaluation is a health check on the effectiveness of the program at it’s halfway point of implementation.

    The Mid-Term Evaluation of the Murray–Darling Water and Environmental Research Program was conducted by independent evaluators Professor Barry Hart and Dr Rhonda Butcher.

    The MD-WERP Governing Panel have considered the recommendations and provided a response to each.

    Copies of both the mid-term evaluation and the Governing Panel's response can be found here

  • MD-WERP eNewsletter #5

    supporting image

    In this edition:


    • New reports and peer reviewed journal articles
    • Spotlight: Waterbird foraging habitats
    • 2023 MD–WERP Symposium wrap-up
    • Save the date: 2024 MD–WERP Symposium
    • What to expect in the next e-newsletter


      To read the eNewsletter, visit the Document Library.

  • Peer-reviewed journal articles

    Alongside producing reports and datasets (found on the right of this homepage), MD-WERP researchers have been publishing peer-reviewed journal articles. You can find links to all of them here: Peer reviewed journal articles

  • 2023 symposium posters now online!

    supporting image

    A highlight of the 2023 MD-WERP annual symposium were the interactive poster sessions, and presentations on two of our Tactical Projects. Copies of these are now available at: MD-WERP Annual Symposium 2023: Posters and Presentations

  • 2023 Annual Symposium

    supporting image

    In July MD-WERP held its second annual symposium. This brought together nearly 180 (130 in person and nearly 50 online) scientists, researchers, government and end-users to exchange ideas, knowledge and experiences of science in the Basin.

    Read more about the event at MD-WERP Annual Symposium 2023

  • MD-WERP Newsletter #4

    supporting image

    In this edition:

    • New reports in climate adaptation and hydrology
    • The recreational and tourism value of healthy rivers
    • 2023 MD–WERP Symposium


    To read the newsletter, visit the Document Library.


  • 2021–22 Annual progress update released

    supporting image

    Progress made during 2021–22 of the Murray–Darling Water and Environment Research Program has been outlined in the Annual Progress Update, released today.

    With the program launched 18-months ago, research is now well underway and some projects are producing exciting results which will soon translate into real-world improvements for Basin communities.

    The report highlights key outcomes achieved by the program across the year.

    Download the Annual Progress Update 2021–22 from the Document Library.

  • MD-WERP Newsletter #3

    supporting image

    We've released our third MD-WERP newsletter. Find out what's been happening across the program since March.

    To read the newsletter visit the Document Library.

  • Annual Symposium 2022

    supporting image

    In June 2022 the Science Leadership Team hosted the inaugural MD-WERP Annual Symposium.

    Bringing together over 150 researchers and end users for the first time, the symposium showcased the research progress made over the previous 12 months.

    You can find out more about the symposium here.

  • MD-WERP Newsletter #2

    supporting image

    We've released our second MD-WERP newsletter. Find out what's been happening across the program over the past 3 months.

    To read the newsletter visit the Document Library.

Page last updated: 02 Apr 2024, 12:20 PM