The results of public consultation on the Draft Report of the Snowy Water Inquiry Outcomes Implementation Deed (SWIOID) Review show overwhelming support for delivering increased environmental flows to improve the health of the upper Murrumbidgee River.
The Consultation Report, released on Monday 7 September, found that:
- 95% of respondents supported increasing environmental flows in the upper Murrumbidgee River to a long-term average annual target equal to 30% of natural flows
- 94% of respondents supported an adaptive management approach — releasing environmental water in a way that responds to river conditions and climate change
- 94.2% of respondents agreed that the Tantangara Dam outlet upgrade is needed to improve environmental outcomes for the river
- 95% of respondents agreed a new Deed is required to improve the health of the upper Murrumbidgee and Snowy rivers
The Consultation Report also outlined strong public support for the ACT Government participation in the Deed and increased First Nations participation in water management, stewardship and decision-making.
Of the 257 responses received, over 50% were from ACT residents — a clear sign that Canberrans care deeply about the future of the upper Murrumbidgee River.
The Conservation Council’s submission strongly supported the delivery of at least 30% of annual natural flows as environmental releases — the minimum needed to support ecological recovery and protect endangered species. We also called for the 30% target to be implemented immediately using existing infrastructure, rather than waiting for a possible Tantangara Dam outlet upgrade. And we strongly advocated for the ACT Government to become a party to the Deed, given the critical importance of river health, water quality and water security for the ACT.
Thank you to all who made a submission on the Independent Review Panel’s Draft Report!
This community support means we’re in a stronger position to make sure the upper Murrumbidgee gets the water it needs.
But we’re not there yet, and we’ll need to keep up the pressure to make sure the recommendations to restore the river are fully implemented. We’ll keep you up to date on any future opportunities to speak up for our river.
To learn more about the SWIOID Review, watch a recording of our webinar, ‘Preventing Extinctions and Restoring Life to the Upper Murrumbidgee River,’ here.