Annual streamflow into the Murray-Darling Basin is likely to fall by 10 to 25 per cent by 2050, and by 16 to 48 per cent by 2100 according to one of Australia’s leading experts on the effects of climate change on our river systems.

“Our ongoing water security problems in southern and eastern Australia are likely to increase by 2030,” said Dr Bryson Bates, Climate Science Leader for CSIRO’s Division of Marine and Atmospheric Research.

“There are no integrated assessments of the impacts of climate change on runoff quantity and quality, biodiversity, salt interception revegetation policies, and water pricing and trading policies. Such assessments are essential if we are to adapt to climate change in an informed manner.”