Webinar: Failing Flows: The Crisis in the Upper Murrumbidgee with Prof. Jamie Pittock & Anna McGuire
The Upper Murrumbidgee River is one of the least sustainably managed rivers in the Murray–Darling Basin.
Environmental flows are not anywhere near meeting their targets, and current management rules are failing to protect this river. It’s very existence is under serious threat and in recent months:
Its health has been described as “abysmal” by an independent review commissioned by the Federal Government
Blue-green algal blooms have been detected in the river
Macquarie Perch and other native fish populations are in serious decline
These issues are just the tip of the iceberg. Right now, a government inquiry into the current rules is underway. The outcome will determine whether the river continues to decline, or whether meaningful change is finally achieved.
The Australian River Restoration Centre, through the Forgotten River campaign, invites you to a special webinar examining what the latest science and policy analysis tells us about flows, governance and the future of the river.
Hosted by Dr Siwan Lovett, on Friday 9 April at 1.00pm, featuring Professor Jamie Pittock, leading water scientist and Anna McGuire National Policy Lead at the Murray–Darling Conservation Alliance.
Both bring deep expertise in water policy, river management and environmental governance, and are leading voices on the future of the Upper Murrumbidgee. They will draw on new research and policy analysis to explain where current rules are falling short.
In this 30 minute presentation, we will explore:
How environmental flows are currently delivered in the Upper Murrumbidgee.
Limitations of current governance and how water is currently being used along the river.
How to adapt river management to the changing climate.
The role of independent oversight, monitoring and public reporting in improving accountability.
What needs to change to restore the health of the Upper Murrumbidgee.
The presentation will be followed by a live Q&A session.
This webinar is part of The Forgotten River campaign, which is advocating for the flows the Upper Murrumbidgee needs to support all life that depends on it.
Please note: registration is essential to attend and/or receive a link to the recording.