The Murray–Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) has released the Annual Operating Outlook for the 2026-27 water year assuring demands down the Murray can be met over a range of conditions this season.
MDBA General Manager, River Operations Tom Zouch said that while system inflows were near average in June, a significant rainfall event across the River Murray and Goulburn catchments in July elevated flows to align current conditions closer to the ‘wet’ scenario.
“We are confident this outlook considers multiple options for water to be delivered where and when it’s needed even if system inflows return to drier than average later in the season,” Mr Zouch said.
The MDBA will continue to monitor conditions and will review the outlook in October to provide an updated understanding of storage position and any possible shortfall risks leading into the peak irrigation season.
The Annual Operating Outlook outlines how the River Murray System might be managed under different water availability scenarios for the year, covering 6 possible scenarios, ranging from extreme dry to wet conditions.
The MDBA will continue to provide regular updates through its monthly water quality threats map.
For more information and to read the full outlook visit https://www.mdba.gov.au/
