The Australian Government, NSW Government and Snowy Hydro have come together to release water into the Upper Murrumbidgee. Released over the last weekend of January, this water aims to support the river's health and surrounding communities.
The milestone was made possible by an interim agreement. This agreement allows action now, while final arrangements under the Drought Operating Framework are completed.
It is a practical, cooperative approach to get water flowing during dry conditions and will be completed soon. The framework is supported by $10 million in annual funding until June 2027.
The additional water will support critical river flows. It will also protect the health of the river in dry periods. The framework works to:
- Support the condition of the upper Murrumbidgee River
- Maintain connection and base flows during drought-like conditions
- Provide reassurance for local communities
- Safeguard the river from declining health
- Assist in preparing for increased fire risk.
The Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder will contribute environmental water to support the releases. This comes as part of an initial trial.
This water will deliver environmental benefits while minimising negative impacts on water users.
The Snowy Hydro Inquiry Outcomes Implementation Deed is also under review. This review will help ensure:
- water management remains fit-for-purpose as conditions, science and community expectations evolve, and
- the river's health remains balanced with the needs of water and energy users.
In conducting the review, an independent review panel is engaging with:
- governments
- community stakeholders
- technical experts.
Advice is expected to be provided to the Australian Government by mid-2026.
Further funding has been provided to the ACT and NSW Governments through the Restoring the upper Murrumbidgee River Program. This will enable science and monitoring activities to be undertaken. This research will inform future responses under similar dry conditions.
