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 Australian Government initiative to strengthen scientific knowledge of the Murray–Darling Basin through the generation of new knowledge, innovation and tools across:

• climate adaptation
• hydrology
• environmental outcomes
• social, economic and cultural outcomes

Commonwealth partners (Murray–Darling Basin Authority, Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder and the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment) will collaborate with the Murray–Darling Water and Environment Research Consortium, led by CSIRO and La Trobe University, to deliver research to benefit the Basin and its communities for years to come. The full list of collaborators will soon be announced.

Between March and June researchers, water policy and water managers, along with First Nations, will co-design the research program, which will commence in July 2021.

More information and opportunities for engagement will be shared as the program commences.

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


Program partners

For Commonwealth and Research Consortium collaborators, enter the program administration portal here.

(Please note if you're experiencing any issue signing in or you can't access the private portal, please email MDWERP@mdba.gov.au)


Find out more

Find out more information in the Document Library.

The Research Prospectus provides the program overview, context for the four themes and the research questions, which will be further refined during the co-design process.

Follow the project page up in the righthand corner, because we'll provide you with updates.


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

• climate adaptation
• hydrology
• environmental outcomes
• social, economic and cultural outcomes

Commonwealth partners (Murray–Darling Basin Authority, Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder and the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment) will collaborate with the Murray–Darling Water and Environment Research Consortium, led by CSIRO and La Trobe University, to deliver research to benefit the Basin and its communities for years to come. The full list of collaborators will soon be announced.

Between March and June researchers, water policy and water managers, along with First Nations, will co-design the research program, which will commence in July 2021.

More information and opportunities for engagement will be shared as the program commences.

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


Program partners

For Commonwealth and Research Consortium collaborators, enter the program administration portal here.

(Please note if you're experiencing any issue signing in or you can't access the private portal, please email MDWERP@mdba.gov.au)


Find out more

Find out more information in the Document Library.

The Research Prospectus provides the program overview, context for the four themes and the research questions, which will be further refined during the co-design process.

Follow the project page up in the righthand corner, because we'll provide you with updates.


  • Research plans update

    After months of co-design, the draft research plans for the four themes were submitted to the Governing Panel in early June. Most of the plans are now being finalised by the Commonwealth to confirm the priorities for 2021-22. This means research can begin for some projects this month.

    Some of the research projects are still under development, including research focused on improving the cultural, economic and social outcomes for First Nations people.

    The research plans have been shared and discussed with a broad range of users during development. The plans will also be reviewed annually, and ongoing co-design will ensure the research will deliver the expected outcomes and benefits for the Murray–Darling Basin.

  • Co-design Update

    Commonwealth partners and the Murray-Darling Water and Environment Research Consortium are working collaboratively through a co-design process to identify the research focus for the four Themes. End-User Advisory Groups have been established to provide advice from an end-user perspective on the research focus and its application within water management and policy.

    The Program is engaging with the Advisory Committee on Social, Economic and Environmental Sciences (ACSEES), representatives from our Commonwealth partners and state jurisdictions and other stakeholders to help to ensure that we deliver research that will result in impact.


  • Inception Workshop

    The first inception workshop was held on 24-26th February. Over 50 participated from Commonwealth partners and Murray-Darling Water and Environment Research Consortium attended virtual workshops to develop a shared understanding of the vision, purpose and the expected outcomes of the strategic research program, including the research priorities. Both the Commonwealth and Consortium presented their views on the research priorities and possible approaches for the four Theme areas. The workshop provided a great start to commencing our four year collaboration.


Page last updated: 23 July 2021, 14:52