Reconnecting River Country Program taking shape

The first steps are being taken towards rolling out the landmark Reconnecting River Country Program (RRCP) across the Murrumbidgee to create a healthier river system through flexible environmental water flows.

RRCP is a key initiative under the Murray-Darling Basin Plan that will improve connectivity to wetlands and floodplains.

The NSW Government has released the Murrumbidgee Final Business Case summary, built on five years of data collection, modelling, environmental, economic and feasibility investigations, and extensive feedback from the community.

The recommended upper flow limit of 40,000 ML/day at Wagga Wagga offers the best ecological and cultural benefits while reducing the need for further water buybacks.

It’s important to note:

• The next step is to begin Phase 1 negotiations with owners of the most affected properties in the Murrumbidgee, expected to commence in the coming months
• Flows up to the recommended limit under the water sharing plan would not occur before negotiations with landholders are completed, and not before December 2026
• Once the flows commence, they are only expected to occur a handful of times per decade
• The upper flow limit is significantly below the 2022 flood level and below minor flood level for the majority of areas along the river
• These flows would be dependent on water availability and environmental conditions

Information sessions are being held across the Riverina this week to update the community on the RRCP, Landholder Negotiation Scheme and two key infrastructure upgrades which are due to begin construction early next year.

The replacement Mundarlo Bridge west of Gundagai and upgraded Mundowy Lane near Collingullie will provide road access when higher flows occur. These projects are expected to be completed by December 2026.

To see details and availability for the information sessions, please visit: Reconnecting River Country Program.

NSW DCCEEW Executive Director Infrastructure Development Lisa Hingerty said:

“After many years of development on the Reconnecting River Country Program, we’re now close to starting delivery later in 2025 which is a huge milestone.

“We remain committed to working closely with landholders and recognise there will be lots of questions about what the latest updates mean for them, which is why we’re speaking to locals in-person this week.

“The Mundarlo Bridge and Mundowy Lane upgrades will be great for the Murrumbidgee community. These projects will reduce road delays during higher flows, meaning key access remains open for residents.

“This program is about improving river health as part of our Basin Plan commitments by guiding environmental water through the system, while fairly addressing impacts to landholders.”