The Inspector-General of Water Compliance’s education series explores the geography, history and background of water management in the Murray-Darling Basin. The series dives into the challenges faced by the Basin and its communities over time. It provides insight and background to the Inspector-General of Water Compliance's role in ensuring the successful delivery of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan.
If you have ever wondered what the Murray-Darling Basin is all about, then this video series is for you. Join our host, Marlee Silva, to learn more about Australia’s Murray-Darling Basin.
About our presenter
Marlee Silva is a proud Gamilaroi and Dunghutti woman. Born and raised on Dharrawal country, south of Sydney, Marlee is an accomplished sports broadcaster and reporter, author, and storyteller.
Chapter 1: The Murray-Darling Basin
In the first episode, we answer, "What is the Murray-Darling Basin?".
Join us as we follow the major rivers in the system. Discover the geography of the Basin and its water sources.
We also look at the important history of the First Nations in the Basin. We explore its environmental, cultural, and economic value to Australia.
Transcript
Chapter 1: The Murray-Darling Basin (DOCX 220.35 KB)
Chapter 2: Pre-Federation challenges
In the second episode, we look at the challenges in the Murray-Darling Basin created by a divided nation.
As the nation grew and modern irrigation practices entered the dry areas, agriculture grew into a key industry across the Basin. This growth and shift in water access and use brought its own challenges.
Transcript
Chapter 2: Pre-Federation Challenges (DOCX 217.08 KB)
Chapter 3: Federation
In this episode, we look at water management in the Murray-Darling Basin during Australia’s Federation. What does the Constitution mean for water access across the Basin States and territory?
We also look at the impacts of the Federation Drought and how it helped unite the nation.
Transcript
Chapter 3: Federation (DOCX 220.26 KB)
Chapter 4: The Murray-Darling Basin Agreement
In this episode, we delve into how the Murray-Darling Basin Agreement came about. We look at how the complicated relationships between the states affected water sharing.
Transcript
Chapter 4: The Murray-Darling Basin Agreement (DOCX 219.33 KB)
Chapter 5: Natural history and challenges in the Basin
In this episode, we look at challenges to the health of the Basin, both natural and man-made. We reveal the warning signs that led to action to protect this precious resource for future generations.
Transcript
Chapter 5: Natural history and challenges in the Basin (DOCX 220.33 KB)
Chapter 6: Post Federation challenges
In this episode, we explore Australia’s nation-building era. We look at how the Federal Government built infrastructure to control the flow of water in Basin rivers. This change in natural flows significantly affected the environment and, in turn, agriculture throughout the Basin.
Transcript
Chapter 6: Post Federation challenges (DOCX 220.93 KB)
Chapter 7: The Water Act 2007 and the Murray-Darling Basin Plan
In this episode, we find out what the Water Act 2007 and the Murray-Darling Basin Plan are. We look at the events leading to their creation, and how they work.
Transcript
Chapter 7: The Water Act 2007 and the Murray-Darling Basin Plan (DOCX 220.75 KB)
Chapter 8: The Inspector-General of Water Compliance
In this episode, we explore the events affecting water and water management across the Basin that led to the creation of the Inspector-General of Water Compliance. We look at its role in ensuring positive outcomes and success of the Basin Plan for communities, the environment, and future generations.
Transcript
Chapter 8: The Inspector-General of Water Compliance (DOCX 222.67 KB)
Credits
The Inspector-General utilised a range of external stock content in the creation of this education series.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been used to animate some historical images used in this series to improve viewing experience. These original images capture a real moment in time. AI use has provided the image with certain picture element and camera movements. The use of AI for creative and educational purposes does not depict or misrepresent any actual historical moment captured in time as a still image.
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Australia's Murray-Darling Basin - stock content credits (XLSX 80.61 KB)
Australia's Murray-Darling Basin - stock content credits (PDF 240.66 KB)