This evaluation found the Murray–Darling Water and Environment Research Program delivered high‑value, policy‑relevant research that strengthened Basin management and supported water reform. It makes 7 recommendations, emphasising continued investment in research adoption, integration and long‑term funding to build an enduring research ecosystem and ensuring the Program’s full benefits are realised under future Basin challenges.

The outlook provides a forward-looking assessment of how climate change will shape the Murray–Darling Basin’s environmental, First Nations, social and economic future through to 2050 under existing management arrangements. It finds that Basin is virtually certain to become hotter, rainfall likely to become more variable, and droughts very likely to become more frequent and severe.

This evaluation provides a significant body of current evidence addressing the effectiveness of the Basin Plan’s implementation, the observed outcomes of activities and processes, and the Plan’s overall impact and contribution to observed changes.

This report presents case studies from First Nations community members into how Indigenous people are working across the Basin to achieve shared cultural and environmental benefits through the delivery of water for the environment.

The Murray-Darling Basin Plan sets the amount of water that can be taken from the Basin each year. This evaluation is a legislated check point, 8 years after the introduction of the Murray–Darling Basin Plan. It provides an opportunity to assess: how implementation is tracking, if outcomes are being achieved and areas for improvement.