Murray-Darling Basin Authority

📊💧 Widespread rainfall across most of the basin this week. Highest totals were in the upper Murray and Victorian tributary catchments.

River operations 🚣
• Hume Dam continues to target minimum release
• Yarrawonga Weir release increase to pass inflows from recent rainfall event
• Lowering of Mildura Weir level continues to undertake scheduled maintenance work

System operations 🔄️
In managing the River Murray system, the MDBA is:
• conserving water in the upper Murray storages
• meeting minimum river levels across the system
• preparing the 2026-27 Annual Operating Outlook

Read this week’s River Murray Weekly Report for a 2025/26 inflow conditions summary.
🔗 https://ow.ly/IlR050ZeuHw

Want to stay up to date with what’s happening across the Basin?

Our River Reach newsletter brings you the latest news, events and stories from communities right across the Murray–Darling Basin.

👉 It’s the easiest way to keep in the loop — straight to your inbox.

🔔 Subscribe now to receive this week's newsletter at mdba.gov.au/news-and-events/subscribe

Vegetation is recovering in the Barmah-Millewa Forest thanks to environmental water and targeted management actions.

At Harbours Lake, the legacy of feral horse grazing is evident. The light green area in this picture shows how exclusion fencing and horse removal are bringing moira grass and river swamp wallaby-grass back to life.

This is one of the outcomes highlighted in the 2024–25 asset report cards, now available, demonstrating how coordinated management is supporting ecosystem resilience across the southern Basin.

Explore the report card for the Barmah–Millewa Forest at https://ow.ly/gGBz50ZaXY6

Closing this week!

Are you a water user or represent water users within the Basin? We’re seeking local Basin leaders keen to represent their community on key water issues.

Bring your voice to the table and apply now for the 2027 Basin Community Committee.

Expressions of interest close 21 June. 🔗ow.ly/McUO50ZbHxZ

📊💧 It’s the start of a new MDBA water year 🎉

The 2025-26 Water Year:
• Rainfall in the Basin was mostly below average. Western NSW and SA reached above average.
• Mean temperatures were above average across the Basin.
• River Murray System* inflows were approx. 3,347 GL.
• MDBA active storage on 1 June 2025 was 4,484 GL.

Early Outlook for 2026-27 📅
• Drier conditions are expected across the Basin over winter.

River operations 🚣
• Hume Dam reduces to target minimum release.
• Yarrawonga Weir release increases to pass inflows from recent rainfall event.
• Lowering of Mildura Weir level commences ahead of scheduled maintenance work.

Learn more in this week’s River Murray Weekly Report:
🔗 https://ow.ly/Tqvw50ZaXUy

Which turtles live in Gunbower Forest?

✅Murray River turtles
✅broad-shelled turtles
✅eastern long-necked turtles

Barapa Barapa Traditional Owners are leading important on-ground work at Gunbower Forest as part of The Living Murray Program.

Turtle monitoring continued for the second year and yabby surveys began 🐢

This work brings together Traditional Owners, scientists and local partners, with projects co-designed to reflect First Nations knowledge and priorities.

Explore the latest report card from Gunbower Forest: https://ow.ly/L9jH50Z9JR7

There’s still time!

Be part of the bigger water discussions and help shape future water management in the Basin.

Expressions of interest are open to join the Basin Community Committee in 2027.

If you live in the Basin and want to represent your community on the water decisions that matter, we want to hear from you.

Express your interest by 21 June ⏰
mdbacareers.nga.net.au/

📊💧 Monthly area-average rainfall was 26% above the long-term average for May.

River operations 🚣
• Widespread rainfall across the Basin
• Releases downstream of Yarrawonga Weir maintained with water for environment
• Stevens Weir pool lowered with regulator gates clear of water

System operations 🔄️
Releases from Hume Dam have remained relatively low.

👀 River Murray levels downstream of Hume Dam to South Australia can vary. Everyone is encouraged to keep up to date with current forecast flows and river levels.

Learn more in this week’s
🔗 https://ow.ly/3iQe50Z7Se8

This World Environment Day we’re sharing the latest report cards from The Living Murray program.

The report cards show how environmental water is helping rivers, wetlands and wildlife across the southern Basin.

The results show real progress at several icon sites, supporting native fish, waterbirds and floodplain health. They also show where more work is needed to secure long-term outcomes.

Our report cards are updated each year to give a snapshot of how the 7 icon sites are responding to combined environmental water, natural rainfall and river flows

Explore the latest report cards here 📚
https://ow.ly/VaJk50Z7S0F

Final reminder! ⏰
Applications close this Sunday 7 June 2026 for the first cohort of the Murray–Darling Basin Leadership Program.

Delivered by the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation, the program will support emerging leaders across the Basin to build their skills, grow their networks and create positive change in their communities.

Are you involved in
• community
• industry
• local government
• grassroots leadership

Now is the time to apply!

Find out more and submit your application:
🔗 https://ow.ly/i8ii50Z6Ztu