Tumut River Works Program

About the program

The Tumut River is a vital working river that supports regional water supply, renewable energy production, and diverse aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. The Tumut River Works Program (the program) manages this 75km reach to balance essential water delivery and energy production with the long-term health and resilience of the river corridor.

The program’s core focus is to:

• maintain flow conveyance and the efficient passage of water (up to 9,300ML/day) to support regulated river operations and downstream water users
• mitigate the geomorphic impacts of river regulation, such as bank erosion and anabranch development, to protect the river’s physical form
• deliver a balanced range of environmental, cultural, social, and economic benefits for the local community.

We achieve this through nature-based river management, including:

• stabilising priority erosion sites using environmentally sensitive physical works, such as native hardwood log structures and rock revetment
• protecting and enhancing riparian and aquatic zones to support ecosystem function and native species like platypus and native fish
• implementing phased willow removal and woody weed control to prevent flow obstructions and improve biodiversity
• working with local landholders on voluntary fencing and off-stream watering initiatives to protect sensitive riparian corridors and floodplain wetlands. 
   

Stakeholder engagement

We are committed to building respectful and collaborative relationships to ensure the program achieves the best possible outcomes for the river and the community. This includes providing local stakeholders with opportunities to contribute feedback that directly informs project decision-making.

Engagement with First Nations people

We acknowledge the deep ancestral connection of the Wiradjuri and Walgalu people to Doomut Billa (Tumut River). We are committed to a partnership model that empowers Traditional Custodians to care for Country by:

• increasing access to the river for cultural practices and ensuring the protection of culturally significant sites
• embedding cultural knowledge into the planning and design of river works through participatory engagement
• supporting Aboriginal-led initiatives that provide employment and capacity-building opportunities within the program.

Tumut River Works Program Reference Group

The Reference Group was established to provide a forum for local community and industry members to share knowledge and insights. The group meets twice a year to:

• be consulted on major program developments and the progress of on-ground works
• provide feedback and local context to help shape key elements of program delivery
• help the program team understand and address specific matters raised by the local community or industry.