The ACT Catchment Strategy Meeting took place on the 29th of August and brought together stakeholders who work within the catchment to review the updated Strategy ACT Catchment Strategy Guide.
The ACT Catchment Strategy outlines goals to guide stakeholders in their approach in working in the ACT Catchment. The ACT and Region Catchment Management Coordination Group is comprised of a broad range of stakeholders whose aim it is to improve governance in the catchment. This includes drafting and updating the Catchment Strategy.Â
The proposed updates were to place more emphasis on the role of First Nations groups and in caring for the ACT Catchment. Some key points discussed were the importance of building community and relationships between Indigenous and Non-Indigenous groups to facilitate vital communication and build trust between groups. Caring for Country is a shared effort and responsibility and is a common goal between all stakeholders in the ACT and Region Catchment Management Coordination Group inclusive of both Indigenous and Non-Indigenous representatives. Â
The Murrumbidgee River is the main water source of the ACT Catchment and the majority of the headwater for the Murrumbidgee is dammed at Tantagara Dam, governed by Snowy Hydro LTD. The ACT Conservation Council is working with academics and other non-government groups to make a case to the government to implement these changes. Advised changes to water regulation in the Murrumbidgee and the Murray Darling Basin include:
- Increased consistent environmental monitoring
- Independent review systems for water regulationÂ
- Increased environmental flows for all Snowy Montane Rivers
- Invite Traditional Owners to participate in and lead environmental management strategiesÂ
A review of government regulation of environmental water availability from Snowy Hydro is currently underway. We aspire for this to result in in increase of water availability for our rivers.