The Murray-Darling Basin Authority (MDBA)’s Basin Plan seeks to manage water resources across the Murray-Darling Basin effectively and sustainably. Alluvium was initially engaged in 2010 to support the development and piloting of the Basin Plan Monitoring and Evaluation Program (MEP), which is central to assessing the Basin Plan’s effectiveness over time. We have been a key partner to the MDBA since the inception of the Basin Plan.

Our involvement spanned several years and included multiple phases of development and evaluation support:

• 2010-2011: Program Design: Alluvium assisted in creating the integrated logic for the MEP, developing key evaluation questions and measures. The framework was tested through a ‘mock report’ exercise, followed by extensive engagement with the Basin States and MDBA staff to refine it. This work led to an integrated evaluation logic supported by all stakeholders.
• 2013-2014: Framework Development: Alluvium provided technical support in developing the draft Basin Plan Evaluation Framework, advising on best practices for evaluation methods and assisting with content writing and editing.
• 2018-2019: Capability Assessment: Alluvium was engaged to develop the Basin Plan Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting Capability Assessment, evaluating MDBA, the Commonwealth, and the Basin States against MEP requirements. A capability framework was developed, and Alluvium liaised with all stakeholders to ensure the framework’s relevance.
• 2021: 2025 Evaluation Plan: Alluvium was tasked with developing a comprehensive framework, roadmap, and project plan for the 2025 Evaluation of the Basin Plan. This work will inform the 2026 Basin Plan Review, ensuring ongoing refinement of water management practices in the Basin.

Throughout these phases, we has played a pivotal role in shaping the Basin Plan’s evaluation framework, supporting the MDBA in ensuring that the Basin Plan is successfully monitored, evaluated, and refined for long-term sustainability.