Learn more about Snowy and upper Murrumbidgee environmental flows

The NSW Government is inviting Snowy Mountains communities to attend two information sessions next week to learn more about the planned high-flow environmental water releases for the Snowy and upper Murrumbidgee Rivers.

These sessions follow strong community interest in understanding programs that enhance river health, restore natural flow patterns, and improve habitats for native species.

The project team will outline the purpose, timing, and expected outcomes of the releases, and will answer questions about how they may affect local waterways and communities.

Sessions include:

• Cooma – Upper Murrumbidgee River focus - Register
  • Wednesday 27 August 2025, 5pm to 7pm
  • Cooma Ex Services Club, 106 Vale Street, Cooma
• Jindabyne – Snowy River focus - Register
  • Thursday 28 August 2025, 10am to 12pm
  • Jindabyne Bowling Club, 2 Bay Street, Jindabyne

In 2025–26, a total of 177,047 megalitres (ML) of environmental water will be released to the Snowy River below Jindabyne Dam including three spring high-flow events in excess of 2,500 ML per day in September and October.

A total of 19,800 ML of environmental water will be released to the upper Murrumbidgee River from Tantangara Dam including one large high-flow release of 1,500 ML/d in September.

These high-flow water releases are designed to mimic natural flows seen in Snowy montane rivers, including snowmelt and ‘freshes’ that occurred before the construction of the Snowy Scheme, with the aim of improving the long-term health of these river systems.

We work closely with Snowy Hydro, the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NSW NPWS), the NSW State Emergency Service (NSW SES) and other relevant agencies to ensure the safe management of high flow releases.

For more information on the Snowy and upper Murrumbidgee environmental flow programs, or to register for a session see: Snowy River increased flows

NSW DCCEEW Director of Asset Management and Performance, Aurelio Lindaya, said:

“We know how critical these rivers are to local communities, so we want to make sure people can hear directly from the project team, ask questions, and understand how these flows are managed.

“We had great engagement at our Dalgety and Bredbo sessions last year – it showed us how much the community values being involved which is why we are back on the ground this year.

“The Snowy and upper Murrumbidgee environmental flows are essential for improving river health, restoring habitat, and helping these rivers function more like they did before the Snowy Scheme was built. We urge everyone interested to register and come take part.”