Broadening the conversation in the Upper Murrumbidgee

Last week, the Watertrust team returned to the Upper Murrumbidgee, continuing the conversations and relationships that have been the backbone of their work over the past 18 months.

Over two days in and around Cooma, they met with farmers, council representatives, community organisations and others who are deeply connected to the river’s health and future. Many of these stakeholders hadn’t been part of the 2024 workshops, making this a valuable opportunity to expand the conversation and bring in new perspectives. For others, it was a chance to build on an ongoing dialogue.

The visit reinforced what has been clear throughout this process; that knowledge of the river is widely held, often deeply personal, and spread across many sectors, communities, and generations. It also highlighted the importance of making space for conversations that extend beyond formal processes and ensuring no key voices are left out.

The trip also helped identify more of the perspectives that could shape future conversations about the river, particularly as government prepares for a broader review of how the snowy waters will be managed.

As Watertrust Principal Peter Horne said on return, “The trip was really useful in deepening the connections we had. While there’s still much work to do, the team returns with stronger relationships, new insights, and a clearer sense of how to support a region with so much knowledge and care for the Murrumbidgee River’s future.”