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.