The Working Together for the River Forum was successfully held on 27 November, bringing together experts, community leaders, and key stakeholders to discuss the future of the Upper Murrumbidgee River.
The forum was opened by Rebecca Ryan, General Manager of Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council, who set the tone for a day of insightful presentations and discussions. Attendees heard from a range of speakers, with discussions organised under three key themes: The River Remembered, Investing in the Region’s Nature, and People and Environment – Looking to the Future.
One of the key highlights was learning about the significant progress made in raising awareness of the Upper Murrumbidgee River, which has long been overlooked in policy discussions. Speakers shared how various groups and individuals have worked tirelessly to bring the river back into focus, prompting government action and investment.
The forum also featured discussions on investments needed for the river and water management. A new initiative is the establishment of the Commonwealth Government’s new Nature Repair Market, which will enable landholders in the catchment to directly invest in the restoration and conservation of local ecosystems and biodiversity.
Another pressing issue explored during the forum was the impact of population growth on water resources in the region. Participants learned more about how current and future developments are being managed to minimise their impact on the river, as well as the need for alternative water sources, in the not too distant future, to ensure a sustainable future for the growing population.
A key takeaway for the day are ‘mutuality’ and ‘social capital’. Quoting from the Ensuring mutual prosperity for rivers and people presentation –
Mutualism – means where everybody flourishes…including the Upper Murrumbidgee. Rivers embody the essence of mutualism. As we nurture and protect our rivers, we enhance our social capital through strengthened community bonds and shared responsibility. The only way forward is together.
A big thank you to Queanbeyan Landcare for generously providing the native plant tube-stock, which was a big hit with attendees who were excited to take home!
For those who would like to revisit, or missed the event, videos of the presentations will be available soon on the UMCN YouTube channel.
