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In 2019, the Upper Murrumbidgee River at Tharwa ran dry. Under a burning, smoky sky, flow stopped entirely, and the riverbed was visible except for a few algae-choked pools. This came as a shock for local residents who rely on the river for their water supply, and inspired Andy Lowes to write a letter to Canberrans on behalf of the river. Fast forward to today, and The Forgotten River campaign coordinated by Andy and Dr. Siwan Lovett at the Australian River Restoration Centre has achieved some big wins for the river, including a combined $50 million dollar funding agreement reached between ACT Independent Senator David Pocock and the Albanese Government. The Upper Murrumbidgee still needs more water — Tantangara Dam currently captures between 90% and 99% of its headwaters —  but these are big steps towards the rehabilitation of a troubled riparian system.

In this timely and important podcast episode, Australian River Restoration Centre Director Dr Siwan Lovett sits down with Dr Maxine Cooper, Chair of the ACT and Region Catchment Management Coordinating Committee, and Andy Lowes, Chair of the Upper Murrumbidgee Catchment Network, to discuss what has changed since parts of the river dried up in 2019; what the new funding may mean for the river; and what can happen when small group of dedicated, passionate people come together. 

This conversation is inspiring, insightful, and a testament to the shared love held by those on Ngunnawal and Ngambri Country, and other traditional Countries, for the Upper Murrumbidgee.

Visit The Forgotten River to learn more about the Upper Murrumbidgee and how you can support this beautiful waterway.

• Senator David Pocock Episode
• Community Survey Results
• Resources

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Take Me to the River is an Australian River Restoration Centre podcast production, hosted by Dr. Siwan Lovett and produced by Chris Walsh, with support from the rest of the ARRC Team. ✨

If you'd like to support the Australian River Restoration Centre and our work restoring rivers and supporting others to do the same, visit our shop for some of the best gift ideas for nature-lovers. You can also make a tax-deductible direct donation to help support our the health and resilience of our rivers 🌱

We acknowledge and honour Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the country on which we work, learn, and live. We respect and learn from Elders past, present and emerging, valuing their knowledge, insights and connections to the waterways we love and care for. 🖤💛❤️