The Independent Review Panel (the Panel) is visiting key places around the Snowy and Upper Murrumbidgee Rivers. The Panel wants to better understand these rivers and the people who rely on them. What they learn will help shape the Panel's draft recommendations for improving the Snowy Water Inquiry Outcomes Implementation Deed (the Deed).
The panel visited:
- The Snowy Hydro Scheme, including Tantangara Dam and Providence Portal in New South Wales
- The Upper Murrumbidgee River in the Australian Capital Territory
- The Mouth of the Snowy River at Marlo, Victoria
- Mowamba Weir, near Dalgety, New South Wales.
In February 2026, the Panel met with Snowy River communities in New South Wales and Victoria. 22 people met with the Panel in Marlo, Victoria. 11 people attended a meeting in Dalgety, New South Wales.
The facilitator of the First Nations Advisory Group travelled with the Panel. The facilitator met with community members and knowledge holders from the Snowy region.
What the community said
People shared what matters most to them. This included:
- improving river health and keeping the Snowy River entrance open
- healthier floodplains and wetlands
- revegetation projects run by the East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority and local communities
- planning for climate change and higher water demands
- making sure environmental water is not deprioritised in favour of energy generation
- recognising the Snowy River's ongoing cultural significance.
People were disappointed that the Deed didn't bring the full environmental improvements the community wanted.
Community members shared ideas about how the Deed could work better. This included:
- better water planning and management
- more flexible flow delivery
- more water for the environment
- including cultural values in planning and shared decision-making with Traditional Custodians
- funding on-ground cultural activities and improving access to cultural sites
- reinstating independent scientific advice
- reviewing the Deed more often
- investing in long-term catchment restoration projects
- considering changes to infrastructure, including modifying or removing weirs.
The Panel noted strong interest in the Issues Consultation Report released in December 2025. They will meet with Upper Murrumbidgee Advisory Groups in April to hear their views. This input will also help form the Panel's draft recommendations.
