Released 04/03/2024
A recent survey undertaken by the Australian River Restoration Centre reveals strong community attachment to the Upper Murrumbidgee River, and a desire to see it protected.
Minister for Water, Energy and Emissions Reduction Shane Rattenbury said that the response from the community will help inform future Murrumbidgee River management practices in the ACT.
“The Murrumbidgee River is an iconic part of the landscape, stretching for kilometres through many different communities,” Minister Rattenbury said.
“It’s no surprise that so many Canberrans and others who live along or near the river feel such a deep connection to it. With that connection comes a respect for the opportunities the river provides, and a desire to help support and protect it.
“We’ve heard loud and clear from the respondents that ecological health of the river is a key priority in the management of the river, with other concerns also relating to water quality, water security and cultural values. The upper Murrumbidgee River has found its voice and the ACT Government will ensure that this voice is heard.”
“The ACT Government is eager to address the concerns we’ve heard from the community. We’re working closely with the Australian and NSW governments to deliver on-ground works that improve water quality, and initiate a major review of the operation of Snowy Hydro to ensure the appropriate balance between hydro-electric power generation and a sustainable future for downstream communities, the environment and local economies.
“Through the ACT Healthy Waterways program, we’re also trialling new nature-based solutions to improve water quality in our lakes and ponds before the water flows into the Murrumbidgee system.
“The ACT’s future water security is co-dependent on sustainable water resource management across the upper Murrumbidgee region. We will continue to advocate for protecting the health of the upper Murrumbidgee River and increasing river flow to restore the ecological welfare of the area for all that rely on it. I look forward to providing you with more updates.”
Read the full Upper Murrumbidgee Community Survey on the Australian River Restoration Centre’s website The Forgotten River.
Learn more about water management in the ACT on the ACT Government’s Environment website.
Quotes attributable to Dr Siwan Lovett, Founder of the Australian River Restoration Centre
“This survey has shown us that the ACT Community does not want their Upper Murrumbidgee River to be forgotten. This will help us continue our work in raising awareness, working with partners, and getting on with the job of restoring the river we all love, care for, and rely on."
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Shane Rattenbury, MLA | Media Releases