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.