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 four-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 it’s 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.

For Commonwealth and Research Consortium collaborators, enter the Program's administration portal.

(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.

Bookmark this page because we'll provide you with updates.


The Murray–Darling Water and Environment Research Program is a four-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 it’s 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.

For Commonwealth and Research Consortium collaborators, enter the Program's administration portal.

(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.

Bookmark this page because we'll provide you with updates.


  • Inception Workshop

    18 Feb 2021

    The MDBA to host the first inception workshop from 24-26th February 2021. This virtual workshop will be the first opportunity for the Commonwealth partners and Murray-Darling Water and Environment Research Consortium to develop a shared understanding of the vision, purpose and the expected outcomes of the strategic research program; and to commence in building a strong collaboration.