The River Murray is more than just a continuing blue line stretched on a map. For generations, this river has formed our landscape, and created stories that shaped our history and culture. The river is the lifeblood of our communities, a generous resource supporting local businesses, a safe refuge for its unique wildlife, and a place of deep cultural connections for our First Nations.

In the last few decades, the climate that has been sustains our river -and everything in and around it- has been changing dramatically. During its epic journey through history, the river has endured many climatic swings such as drought spells and flood events. But, this time is different. The rapid and long-term “wicked problems” currently underway, are posing existential risks to the complex river system. Our climate is changing, and if we do not acknowledge it properly, it could change the story line for the river, us, and the future generation.

Climate Change in Our Backyards

Climate change is the long-term, human-driven shift in weather patterns over decades. It's not the daily changes in weather, but a slower, long-term and more profound change in climatic variable.

The changing climate increases the frequency and severity of hazards like heatwaves, droughts, and floods. These are distant threats — they are already here, affecting our river and region in real and visible ways.

Here are some of the changes we are observing across the Albury–Wodonga and broader River Murray region:

🌡️ It’s Getting Hotter

• The region has already warmed by an average of 1.2°C since 1910.

• We now see more frequent, longer, and more intense heatwaves.

• Extreme hot days have more than doubled since the mid-1980s.

🌧️ Rainfall is Less Reliable

• Cool-season rainfall (April–October) — vital for filling dam’s reservoir for using during the hot season — has fallen by over 10%.

• When rain does fall, it is more extreme and intense, increasing the risk of floods and erosion.

🌵 Droughts Are Becoming the New Normal

• Drier winters, hotter summers, and declining rainfall mean longer, more frequent, and more severe droughts.

• The combination of lower rainfall and higher evaporation means less water is making it into the River Murray. A small decrease in rainfall can lead to a much larger decline in river flow.

💧 Less Water in the River

• Streamflow is projected to decline 13–20% with just 2°C of warming.

• “Hydrological whiplash” — the pattern of swinging between long dry spells and sudden, intense rain — causes more water absorbed by dry soil or evaporates before it reaches the river.

What Does This Mean for Our River and Us?

🚜 For Farmers and Local Businesses

• Water scarcity: Declining cool-season rainfall and rising temperature are straining water resources, which means less reliable water allocations for agricultural businesses.

• More droughts and floods are increasing risks to crops, livestock, and infrastructure.

• Climate pressure is creating economic stress for the agriculture sector.

🏘️ For Local Communities

• Lower flows and water quality threaten recreation, public health, and lifestyle.

• Flash floods and water quality issues like algal blooms and blackwater events are becoming more common.

• Community well-being and mental health are impacted by the stress of droughts, flood and water insecurity.

🌿 For Traditional Owners

• Altered river flows are threatening cultural heritage sites and culturally significant species.

• Access to Country for cultural practices like fishing or ceremony is at risk.

🤝 Building a Climate-Resilient Future Together

We’re facing serious challenges — but with collaboration, knowledge creation, and real-world actions, we can shape a resilient future.

📊 Science and Monitoring

We need continuous river monitoring and more advances technology to guide decision-making.

🧠 Two Ways of Knowing

Integrating scientific research with Traditional Knowledge and Citizen Science creates more holistic, effective responses to change. These knowledge systems offer vital insights to make more effective just, and fairer decisions.

🧍 Community Involvement

Farmers, landholders, residents, and young people have unique perspectives. Through citizen science, education, and participation, local voices can shape meaningful action.

🌱 Together, We Can Keep the River Flowing

Adapting to our changing climate is about people. Finding the best solutions requires the collective wisdom created by local communities, First Nations, riverfront farmers, industry, research entities, and government agencies.

The River Murray faces a future full of challenges — but also full of hope. If we act now, together, we can protect its health, its stories, and its life-giving flow for generations to come.

The future of our region depends on the choices we make today.