In a show of support for our Upper 'Bidgee, many locals have come together and chosen to shout out the Murrumbidgee River for World Rivers Day this year. The #ShoutOutOurRivers campaign invited community members to share posts, videos and stories about their favourite rivers throughout September, and it was terrific to see the Murrumbidgee River represented among the mix of many powerful messages about rivers across the country.

The ACT and Region Catchment Management Coordination Group have drafted recommendations for shareholder ministers to inform the drafting of the next Statement of Expectations. If adopted, these recommendations would require Snowy Hydro Limited to manage the release of water for environmental, social and Cultural needs alongside renewable energy production; aligning with the Murray Darling Basin Reforms.

In November through December 2023, the Australian River Restoration Centre conducted a wide-ranging community survey to measure the awareness, opinions, desires and values of people across Australia who care about the health of the Upper Murrumbidgee River. The response was overwhelming — people are deeply connected to this river, and are strongly invested in its health.

Our ‘Bidgee is starting to be remembered! The Forgotten River campaign has catalysed substantial and meaningful change in securing a much-needed ~$50 million support package for the Upper Murrumbidgee, including $20m for catchment health initiatives, $30m to purchase water in times of drought and $500,000 for First Nations to genuinely have their say in the ongoing management of the river.