Wins worth celebrating
What happened over the last few weeks deserves to be named for what it is: a win. We reached over 100,000 people, drove a 538% surge in website traffic and most importantly got the Drought Operating Framework signed, and built enough pressure that water was finally released from Tantangara Dam.
Economist calls for transparent and fairly priced mechanisms for Tantangara releases
Water in Tantangara Reservoir has competing values: electricity, environment, irrigation, recreation. But the rules governing its release don't allow it to go where it's needed most. An economist explains what needs to change."
‘Abysmal condition’ - why the Upper Murrumbidgee River needs you to respond to the Independent Review Panel Issues Paper
Tharwa Bridge (ACT) December 2025
Why is the Upper Murrumbidgee Drought Framework not being implemented when it matters most?
Tharwa (ACT) 18th December 2025
Slow start for a big vision: Upper Murrumbidgee health strategy still finding its feet
Launched with high hopes in 2023, the Upper Murrumbidgee River Health Strategy promised real change. Nearly two years on, the vision remains largely unrealised… so why is the river still waiting?
Terms of Reference released for the review of the Snowy Water Inquiry Outcomes Implementation Deed (SWIOID)
The Terms of Reference for the review of the Snowy Water Inquiry Outcomes Implementation Deed (SWIOID) have been released and are available on the Commonwealth's website at: Improving the health of the Upper Murrumbidgee - DCCEEW.
Commonwealth announces the commencement of a review into the Snowy Water Inquiry Outcomes Implementation Deed
The Australian Government has initiated a review of the 2002 Snowy Water Inquiry Outcomes Implementation Deed. This significant milestone flags an important next phase for the future health of the upper Murrumbidgee River and will be critical to informing the next review of the Snowy Water Licence, scheduled for 2027.
How the Upper Murrumbidgee was ‘Forgotten’ and Upcoming Restoration Works — ABC Radio Afternoons (15-minute interview)
Dr. Siwan Lovett was invited on ABC Radio Afternoons in December 2024 to talk about the upcoming restoration works for the Upper Murrumbidgee river. Dr. Lovett speaks about why the Upper Murrumbidgee is ‘Forgotten’, how it came to be so, how Tantangara Dam captures between 90% and 99% of its natural flow, and what the upcoming works involve and seek to accomplish for this very special river.
Interweaving love, knowledge, and action: how we are bringing back the Murray-Darling Basin’s Forgotten River
In 2019, the Upper Murrumbidgee River dried up at Tharwa near Canberra necessitating the transport of water to the village over several weeks.Nonetheless, this event triggered concern and frustration. Spurred by the events of 2019, in early 2020, the ARRC gathered a group of like-minded individuals across academia, research, government agencies and community groups who had been separately advocating for change to the management of the Upper Murrumbidgee River.
Our Forgotten River receives a lot of love in World Rivers Day campaign!
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.
Aligning Snowy Hydro’s remit with community expectations
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.