The Upper Murrumbidgee in the media in 2026
Our Forgotten River has featured prominently in local media following on from broken promises and continued mismanagement.
The Upper Murrumbidgee River is in crisis. Despite clear drought triggers being met and funding set aside to protect the river during low-flow conditions, water has not been released from Tantangara Dam and millions in dedicated drought funding remain unused.
Recent media coverage highlights growing concern from scientists, community leaders and elected representatives that delays and political inaction are placing the river, local communities and endangered species at serious risk.
Siwan Lovett, ABC Drive Canberra (19/01/26)
Dr Siwan Lovett, CEO of the Australian River Restoration Centre and lead voice behind The Forgotten River campaign, explains why the Upper Murrumbidgee is once again approaching a dangerous tipping point. She explains why the river cannot withstand further delays, how inaction compounds damage, and what must happen to safeguard water quality, native species and water security.
Antia Brademann, ABC Drive Canberra (20/01/26)
Antia Brademann, facilitator of the Upper Murrumbidgee Demonstration Reach, explains why what appears to be a flowing river can be dangerously misleading. She outlines how muddy pulses of stormwater do not repair a river pushed beyond its limits, and why missed drought responses place fish, communities and the river itself at risk.
Siwan Lovett, WIN NEWS (20/01/26)
Dr Siwan Lovett describes the ongoing impacts of decades of water diversion on the Upper Murrumbidgee. While recent rain has briefly lifted flows, she explains why the river remains deeply stressed and why meeting water release targets is critical for long-term recovery
David Pocock, ABC Drive Canberra (21/01/26)
Independent Senator David Pocock questions why drought funding set aside to protect the Upper Murrumbidgee has not been used, despite clear warning signs. He discusses governance failures, political delays and the urgent need to move from commitments on paper to water in the river.
Jamie Pittock, ABC News 7PM Bulletin (22/01/26)
Environmental policy expert Professor Jamie Pittock outlines how long-standing water management failures have reshaped the Upper Murrumbidgee. Drawing on research and independent reviews, he explains how diversions, weak oversight and lost environmental water are accelerating ecological decline.
Rose Jackson, ABC Drive Canberra (30/01/26)
NSW Water Minister Rose Jackson responds to growing concern about delays in implementing the Murrumbidgee Drought Operating Framework. She explains why the framework was only signed recently, addresses claims of political inaction, and confirms that environmental water releases may finally be imminent.
David Pocock, ABC Drive Canberra (30/01/26)
Senator Pocock responds to news that environmental water releases into the Upper Murrumbidgee may begin following weeks of community concern and media scrutiny. He reflects on the role of advocacy in prompting action, welcomes the progress made, and outlines why long-term reform is still needed to ensure the river’s health is protected beyond this immediate response.