Management of the upper Murrumbidgee and Snowy rivers is the subject of an independent review initiated by for the federal government, following an agreement reached with Senator David Pocock. The draft report was released on 7 July 2026, and is open for consultation until Tuesday 4 August. 

The mighty Murrumbidgee river has been in terminal decline for decades and currently receives less than 10% of its natural inflow of water. The final report will be crucial in determining whether we can save our magnificent river and improve the environmental, social and cultural benefits it delivers.

It’s on all of us to ensure the draft report is strengthened and governments deliver on key recommendations. We’ve invited experts and advocates to attend a public forum and explain what needs to be done to save the river, and how we can help.

Speakers, moderated by Jessie Price, independent candidate for Bean:

Terry Korodaj is has over 20 years of experience across the southern Murray–Darling Basin in water and catchment management, aquatic and terrestrial conservation, and environmental water planning and delivery. As Chair of the Upper Murrumbidgee Catchment Group he helps bring together diverse stakeholders in natural resource management in the ACT and surrounding NSW.

Professor Jamie Pittock's research focusses on environmental governance, climate change adaptation, energy and sustainable management of water. Prior to joining ANU, Jamie worked for WWF International as Director of their Global Freshwater Program on conservation of wetlands, water use in agriculture, and river basin management. He worked for WWF Australia on: national environmental laws; conservation of threatened biodiversity; management of invasive species; and measures to support Indigenous and private conservation land managers.

Senator David Pocock