Why our Murray Matters

The River Murray is one of the world's great river systems. It is part of our identity, economy, history, folklore and Indigenous culture.

The River' surrounding environment is rich, complex, fragile and unique. The environment supports many regional and Indigenous communities, a wide variety of native plants and animals, as well as much of Australia's irrigated agriculture and a thriving tourist industry.

A healthy river with good water quality is essential for our industries, our culture and communities, and represents our responsibility as global stewards, looking after a natural asset found nowhere else on earth.

A Unique Environment

The River Murray harbours a priceless natural environment of global significance. Its water sustain life though the landscape, not just along the river itself but for hundreds of kilometres around, supporting trees, grasses, aquatic plants, birds, marsupials, fish reptiles, and the microscopic animals on which other creatures feed. Migrating birds from China, Japan, and beyond depend on its waters.

Indigenous Connection

Indigenous Australians discovered the value of the River Murray thousands of years before European settlement, with the River, wetlands and floodplain providing food, medicinal herbs and raw materials. Traditional knowledge about the River, its life and culture were learned and passed on over generations. The River and its floodplain shaped and remain a living part of Indigenous people’s beliefs and lives. These sacred and significant places need to be respected and preserved.

The Traditional Owners of the Murray and Lower Darling Rivers have a long and continuing affinity to the land and waters. The interconnection of cultural, social, economic and spiritual life has a direct impact on the health of Country and the health of her Peoples – these are inseparable. The relationship to the rivers within the Basin meant deep connections to each through song, trade, marriage, language and information on landscapes and caring for country – connections that last to this day.

The Nations within the Murray Lower Darling Region Indigenous Network (MLDRIN) include the Wiradjuri, Yorta Yorta, Wamba Wamba, Taungurung, Barapa Barapa, Wadi Wadi, Mutti Mutti, Latji Latji, Wergaia and Ngarrindjeri.

European Heritage

The River Murray has shaped important elements of our modern history. Many European settlements were established along the River Murray’s banks and it became the nation’s first great inland transport network, fostering the development of agricultural industry and regional communities. The building of dams and weirs on the river made the supply of water more reliable in terms of quantity, allowing large-scale irrigation to develop. The River Murray system is important in Australia’s economic growth.

More than a Food Bowl

The River Murray supports the economic value of the broader Murray-Darling Basin through agricultural produce, mining, tourism and leisure, electricity production, commercial fishing and other industries. Irrigated produce such as dairy, rice, cotton, beef, fruit and vegetables is consumed by both Australians and people overseas.

Sustaining Communities

The River Murray symbolises important qualities of Australian life and our rural and Indigenous communities.

Historically, people have settled near the River because of its fresh water, food, shelter and fertile soils. Today they also enjoy its aesthetic appeal, recreational opportunities, and vibrant local towns.

The contents of this page are available as part of The Living Murray poster series.

An electronic copy of this poster is available through our publications section.
Hard copies are available by contacting The Living Murray.