Election report card: Australia’s largest river system left in limbo despite major decision point next year

Amid a worsening water crisis in South Australia that has left farmers and regional communities parched, the major parties have left voters in the dark on what they will do to secure the long-term health of Australia’s largest river system.

With the historic Murray-Darling Basin Plan scheduled to be reset next year, a new assessment released today by the Murray-Darling Conservation Alliance, which consists of Conservation Councils in SA, NSW, Victoria, QLD and the ACT, has concluded neither major party is offering voters clarity on what they will do to secure the health of the River Murray.

“Australians are fed up with bearing witness to massive fish kills, devastating floods and now a crippling drought in large parts of South Australia without strong commitments from governments. Voters need much greater clarity on how Australia’s biggest river system will be managed,” said Murray-Darling Conservation Alliance National Director Craig Wilkins.

“With the Murray-Darling Basin Plan up for review next year, the fate of our river and everything that depends on it is at stake, but we’ve mostly heard radio silence so far.

“When it comes to finishing the current Basin Plan, there is a clear point of difference. Labor worked with the Greens to pass legislation this term to recommence buying back water for the environment. The Coalition unfortunately have vowed to stop this if they win office.

“We recognise that Labor and the Greens have committed to completing the current Basin Plan, but this vital first step is not enough to secure the long-term future of the River Murray.

“We need a new plan for the Murray-Darling that restores at least 30% of rivers and wetlands by 2030, in line with international agreements, yet no party has stepped up and committed to this.

“With only a few sleeps till the final polling day, voters are left guessing what will happen to South Australia’s lifeblood after the 2026 Basin Plan review.

“We need more than silence or single line promises. We need a government that will fight for the river that keeps our wildlife, communities and industries alive.”

The Murray-Darling Conservation Alliance is a national coalition focused on protecting the Murray-Darling Basin’s rivers, wetlands, and wildlife. It comprises conservation councils in SA, NSW, Victoria, QLD and the ACT.