This year’s Flow-MER Annual Forum brought together people from across the Murray–Darling Basin to continue work on protecting our precious environment. The event included First Nations leaders, policy experts, scientists, and water managers. They came to share ideas, build partnerships, and work toward a common goal: making environmental watering more effective. 

What is Flow-MER?

Flow-MER is the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder’s (CEWH’s) flagship science program. It helps manage water for the environment in the Basin, shows the results of this work, and meets reporting needs. This year’s forum was the first big event under the new phase of the program, from 2024–2030. It builds on past success and starts a new chapter of learning and teamwork. 

Day 1: Culture and science

The forum began with a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony led by Ngunnawal Elder Brad Bell. The CEWH Dr Simon Banks gave an opening speech, saying:

“Flow-MER shows the value of environmental water in the Basin. This forum is a chance to share the latest research and findings.”

Highlights:

• 10-Year Report: Sue Cuddy (CSIRO) shared key lessons from the past decade.
• Panel Talks: Topics included First Nations knowledge, new tools and technology, and citizen science.
• Interactive Sessions: People connected and shared research.
• Keynote Speech: Dr Hugh Robertson, a renowned international wetlands expert, spoke about Flow-MER’s importance worldwide. 

Day 2: Challenges and solutions

The second day focused on solving problems in a changing world.

Highlights:

• Panel Talks: These looked at how Flow-MER helps with planning and dealing with issues like climate change and bird flu.
• Global View: Angute’karaq Estelle Thomson, a traditional healer and bird activist from Alaska, reminded everyone of the global need to protect water and wildlife.
• Future Planning: The day ended with group discussions on topics like data and environmental projects.

Looking ahead

This year’s forum helped strengthen partnerships, spark new ideas, and improve understanding of environmental watering in the Murray–Darling Basin.

To learn more, visit The Flow-MER Program website.

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The Flow-MER Program