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.

The 'Thriving Murray-Darling Basin' essay series explores what is needed in the Basin for a resilient, healthy and sustainable river system and a thriving, resilient community in the face of a changing climate over the next 50 years.

This inquiry report assessed the progress made toward implementing the Murray-Darling Basin Plan since 2018. Recommendations are made about the actions needed to achieve full implementation of the Basin Plan and to strengthen and simplify the framework.