The Independent Review Panel (the Panel) is reviewing the Snowy Water Inquiry Outcomes Implementation Deed (the Deed). The review is looking at how well current arrangements are working and what could be improved.
To help with this work, the Panel invited the public to share their views through an Issues Consultation Report. A public consultation was held from 12 December 2025 to 13 February 2026. This gave communities and stakeholders a chance to provide feedback.
The Panel received 136 submissions. Some submissions have been published where permission was given.
A summary of the main themes raised has now been prepared. This summary highlights the range of views shared during consultation. It does not represent government views or decisions.
Many submissions raised similar priorities. This includes:
- concerns about the health of the upper Murrumbidgee River and the Snowy River
- a need for more water management rules that can better adapt to changing conditions
- concerns about how the Deed is governed. This includes limited involvement from the ACT Government and First Nations peoples
- reliable, safe, and affordable electricity in the National Electricity Market (NEM)
- the importance of protecting reliable water supplies for downstream users.
The Panel is now looking at this feedback and will use this feedback to inform their draft recommendations.
