Community info sessions for Snowy environmental flows

The NSW Government invites interested members of the public to join an information session in Dalgety and Bredbo next week to learn more about environmental water releases in the Snowy and upper Murrumbidgee Rivers.

The two sessions will deliver a detailed overview of the Snowy River Increased Flows (SRIF) and Snowy Montane River Increased Flows (SMRIF) programs, which supports local ecosystems by significantly improving river health.

Information will include the benefits of each program, who is involved and the processes for ensuring environmental releases are managed safely.

Participants will also have an opportunity to ask questions and join in community discussion.

Meetings will be held at:

• Dalgety (focusing on the Snowy River)
  • Thursday 19 September, 5pm - 6:30pm
  • Dalgety Showground Pavilion, Campbell Street
  • Register here for Dalgety meeting
• Bredbo (focusing on the upper Murrumbidgee River)
  • Friday 20 September,12pm - 1:30pm
  • Bredbo Community Hall, Monaro Highway (corner Cosgrove Street)
  • Register here for Bredbo meeting

These meetings are aimed at expanding community understanding of environmental flows in the region, which were first introduced in 2002.

Mimicking the natural flow of the river, these releases significantly improve the physical condition of the in-stream habitat by scouring and transporting fine sediments which supports the restoration of waterways impacted by the Snowy Scheme.

To read more about these programs and view environmental water release dates, visit: Environmental flow management

NSW DCCEEW, Director Asset Management and Performance, Aurelio Lindaya said:

“We’ve heard the community’s calls for more engagement on these programs and that’s why we're running face-to face sessions locally to help build a better understanding of environmental water releases.

“These sessions give residents an opportunity to hear directly from our team and ask questions, so if you’re a local or someone curious to know more, we’d love to see you there.

“In this water year alone, a combined total of nearly 233,000 megalitres of environmental water will be released to the Snowy River and Upper Murrumbidgee River and these flows play a pivotal role in the health of our ecosystems.

“We plan on holding these meetings annually in various locations to ensure the community is equipped with the latest information and insights.