I write following my visit to your region earlier this month to meet with community groups, irrigators, landowners and other stakeholders in the Murray-Darling Basin.
My first trip after being appointed Minister for Resources, Water and Northern Australia just over a year ago was to travel through the southern basin.
This was a clear indication of where the Murray-Darling stands in my list of priorities.
It has been unfortunate that off-and-on COVID-related border closures, along with regular parliamentary duties, prevented me from returning sooner as I had intended to do.
I would firstly like to thank all those who turned out to attend numerous meetings across the four days of my visit that began in Albury and finished in Mildura.
These meetings reinforced the different expectations of each community, town and region when it comes to management of the basin, however it was encouraging to see most groups indicate a willingness to work cooperatively with governments.
It was pleasing to make a series of announcements during the week that I am confident will have a positive impact on your communities.
Applications are now open for grants through the $34 million Economic Development and $20 million Healthy Rivers programs, and I encourage eligible groups to apply.
I also made a significant announcement about the closure of the Water Efficiency Program (WEP) with a commitment to divert nearly $1.5 billion to off-farm efficiency projects as part of my pledge of no more water buy-backs.
After listening to those who attended the many meetings over the week, I know there is more to do and our government will keep working with you.
In coming months, some important legislation will go before federal parliament that will formalise my commitment to split the compliance arm from the MDBA, and provide important new powers to the position of inspector-general.
We are also funding improved technology that will provide more transparent monitoring of water use in the northern basin.
Each community group, irrigator or stakeholder who attended one of the many meetings during my visit should know that their voices and concerns were most definitely heard.
It is now my job to consider all those views as we move forward in our management of the basin, in partnership with state governments.
It is critical that we stick to facts in any discussion over the Murray-Darling Basin if we are to achieve positive and meaningful outcomes for communities across the 2000km of the system.
As we emerge from the Coronavirus pandemic, I remain hopeful that the days of snap state border closures are over and I look forward to returning to the region.
Yours etc.
Keith Pitt
Minister for Resources, Water and Northern Australia
18°C