Partnering with Aboriginal peoples
Water for Country is environmental water use planned by the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, the Snowy Advisory Committee and Aboriginal people to achieve shared benefits for the environment and cultural places, values and/or interests.
In 2026–27, we will partner with Aboriginal peoples and organisations across the Snowy and Snowy montane catchments to build relationships and embed cultural knowledge and values into the program. For example, we will:
- actively prioritise working and engaging with Aboriginal people from Ngunnawal, Gunaikurnai, Wolgalu and Ngarigo communities to increase the understanding of their cultural values
- continue to be inclusive and support the priorities of Aboriginal representatives from Ngunnawal, Gunaikurnai, Wolgalu and Ngarigo communities in water management and monitoring programs
- support the development of cultural watering plans where required.
Key planned actions for 2026–27
At the start of the Snowy and Snowy montane water year on 1 May 2026, 140.67 gigalitres (GL) of water for the environment is available for the Snowy River. The Snowy montane streams will receive 63.2 GL (equal to 92.6 gigawatt hours of forgone electricity), including 6.3 GL for the upper Murrumbidgee River. Water will be delivered using variable flow patterns to the Snowy and upper Murrumbidgee rivers, which are designed by water managers in consultation with ecological experts and the Snowy Advisory Committee.
Natural flows – montane rivers (excluding Snowy and upper Murrumbidgee rivers)
Natural flows from rain and snowmelt will be allowed to pass the weir structures and will not be diverted by aqueducts, for the montane rivers. This enables near-natural flow conditions for targeted montane rivers to support river ecosystem functions and water-dependent fauna and flora species.
Natural flow scaling approach – Snowy and upper Murrumbidgee rivers
Since 2013, environmental water releases for the Snowy River below Jindabyne Dam and the upper Murrumbidgee River below Tantangara Dam have guided a natural flow scaling approach. This approach uses historical river flow patterns, adjusted to match the volume of environmental water, to help shape releases that reflect the seasonal and daily variability of snowmelt rivers.
The same approach will be used in 2026–27. However, due to low water availability, a more limited and highly modified release pattern will be applied for the upper Murrumbidgee River, and the focus will be on providing some seasonal variation.
Native fish
Winter and early spring releases in the Snowy River will support native fish breeding and dispersal. Autumn pulses are designed to provide movement opportunities for Australian grayling to spawn in the lower reaches of the river.
Unimpeded natural flows for some montane streams, including Strezelecki Creek, will support native fish movement and breeding for species such as galaxias, a small freshwater fish.
Releases to the upper Murrumbidgee River in winter and spring aim to support habitat, spawning and movement for the endangered Macquarie perch. In 2026-2027, the river will largely be reliant on natural inflow from rainfall due to the low availability of environmental water.
Vegetation
Planned water releases for the Snowy River will support aquatic native vegetation in low benches or riparian zones, connected ponds, wetlands, and backwaters that provide essential habitat for water-dependent animals such as platypus and frogs.
Natural flows for targeted montane streams, including the Goodradigbee River, will support fringing and in-stream vegetation.
Native animals
Planned releases will support water-dependent animals by protecting habitat, increasing resource availability and productivity and inundating connected wetlands and ponds. This will provide breeding opportunities for water-dependent species including macroinvertebrates, frogs, platypus and turtles.
Geomorphology
Multiple large flows, including 5 events with 8-hour peaks, will aim to improve the Snowy River channel condition. These high-flow events will increase stream power, or flow velocity, and aim to mobilise fine sediment from the stream bed, reduce substrate smothering algae and clean riffles. This will improve the health of the riverbed and help maintain habitats for water-dependent animals and plants.
Map of proposed annual priority targets in the water resource plan area 2026–27
For more information on each catchment's resource availability scenario and expected volumes, visit our Annual environmental watering priorities 2026-27 webpage.
