Overview
From 21 August to 11 September 2025 we ran a public consultation process seeking feedback on the Drought Operating Framework.
The Framework supports the release of additional water into the upper Murrumbidgee River from Tantangara Dam, as a short-term response in the event of drought-like conditions. The additional water is to ensure the health of river and the people who depend on it. We also need to consider downstream water needs and the National Electricity Market when deciding to release water.
The framework is a policy document that focuses on:
Determining what river conditions will trigger water releases.
Deciding how much water will be released.
How the water will be stored, used, and accounted for.
How we will value the water and compensate Snowy Hydro for forgone energy generation.
The impacts of storing and delivering the water on Snowy Hydro, the National Electricity Market, and other water users.
Operational details will be published with the Framework as they are finalised with our delivery partners; NSW and Snowy Hydro Limited.
Published responses
View submitted responses where consent has been given to publish the response.
What We Heard
We received 20 survey responses. They came from:
People
Industry
NGOs
community groups
businesses
universities
government
Most (90%) were from NSW and the ACT. About half were from cities (55%) and half from country areas (45%).
The drought framework drew wide feedback. Many supported a clear, flexible plan for water releases in dry times. They also raised concerns about governance, ecology, and fairness.
Environmental Concerns
Most wanted better environmental outcomes. They stressed the health of the Upper Murrumbidgee River and its biodiversity. They asked for steady flows to restore habitats and support native fish populations. The need to prevent cease-to-flow events and reduce sedimentation was a common theme.
Water Releases
Some wanted higher minimum flows and extra releases for emergencies like algal blooms or fire ash. Others said current flows are too low for the river’s lower reaches. Many called for more base flows and extra water to avoid dry riverbeds. Trigger points were welcomed but some asked to make them simpler.
Downstream Impacts
Some respondents were concerned about impacts on downstream water users from the proposed water management arrangements set out in the draft Framework. They raised options to protect third parties such as through using environmental water entitlements and water accounting arrangements.
Foregone Energy
Some thought the plan favours power generation over environmental health. Compensation for Snowy Hydro was a hot issue. Many questioned if Snowy Hydro should be paid when the environment needs water. One respondent suggested a new way to calculate energy loss.
Community involvement
People asked for stronger ties between local views and decision-makers. They want the plan reviewed as knowledge grows. They also flagged impacts on community wellbeing and Snowy Hydro’s social licence.
We analysed the submissions and took the feedback into consideration when finalising the Strategy.
Final Framework
The final Upper Murrumbidgee Drought Operating Framework to improve the health of the Upper Murrumbidgee is published on our website.
Consultation documents
Converlens