Upper Murrumbidgee SWIOID Review Information Session (Cooma)

We respectfully invite your community to participate in an important information session regarding the upcoming SWIOID Review and the establishment of a First Nations Advisory Group.

What is the SWIOID or “Deed”?

The SWIOID is a legal agreement signed in 2002 between three governments: the Australian Government, New South Wales, and Victoria. Think of it as a promise to return water to rivers that had been redirected by the Snowy Hydro Scheme. It's officially called the "Snowy Water Inquiry Outcomes Implementation Deed 2002”, and it's a legally binding agreement that all three governments must follow.

The original SWIOID largely ignored First Nations perspectives and cultural water needs across the Upper Murrumbidgee, and we would like to share some background information in relation to the current review of the “Deed” and the establishment of an Advisory Committee that will be established to provide community expectations, as well as support the sharing of information with the Community.

Purpose of the Session:

This information session will provide an overview of the SWIOID Review process and discuss the formation of a First Nations Advisory Group that will serve as the primary conduit for meaningful engagement throughout the review. Immersive Country is planning to hold consultations across Tumut, Cooma, ACT and Yass. These sessions will also provide feedback from previous First Nations consultations regarding the Upper Murrumbidgee River and community expectations relating to the management of the catchment. These consultations are an opportunity for you to find out more about the process, express your interest in being part of the advisory committee and ensure First Nations voices continue to uphold custodianship of Country.

What We'll Cover:

• Findings of previous community engagement in relation to the management of the Upper Murrumbidgee catchment
• Overview of the SWIOID Review objectives and timeline
• Role and structure of the proposed First Nations Advisory Group
• Opportunities for ongoing community engagement
• Next steps and how your community can be involved

Your Voice Matters:

We recognise the importance of genuine consultation and collaboration with First Nations communities. It is recognised that the Murrumbidgee River runs through the traditional lands of the Ngarigo, Ngunnawal, Wiradjuri, and Ngambri Aboriginal peoples. As an Aboriginal-owned and managed company, we recognise that water is not just a resource—it's central to cultural practices, spiritual beliefs, and the health of Country and community.

Our goal is to ensure the voice of the Community is heard. Your Community's participation and perspectives are essential to ensuring this process is conducted with appropriate cultural sensitivity and incorporates First Nations voices at every stage.

What the Review is seeking;

This review represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to:

• Fix a failing 20+ year-old agreement
• Include First Nations voices in water management
• Apply Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) and modern science to river restoration
• Plan for climate change impacts
• Create proper oversight and accountability
• Heal our rivers for future generations

Our Commitment:

We are committed to working with your Community using principles of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent and protecting Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property to ensure the responsibility and obligation of Caring for Country continues.

We would be honoured to have representatives from your community join us for this initial discussion. Please share and distribute this invite with members of your Community. Light refreshments will be provided.

Also check out other Health & Wellness events in Cooma.