Participants attending a workshop in Deniliquin on Thursday said they believed senior personnel from the Murray-Darling Basin Authority “are listening to us”, and admitted they do not believe this has previously occurred in such a genuine and transparent manner.
The workshop was organised by the Murray Regional Strategy Group, which hosted the MDBA’s chief executive Andrew McConville, and its executive director river management Jacqui Hickey.
They spoke about developments in Basin Plan implementation, including work being undertaken on the Basin Plan review, which is to be submitted in late 2026.
There was discussion throughout the workshop around constraints management, amid a realisation there are numerous restrictions which could make it impossible to deliver legislated volumes of water from one end of the system to the other.
“We were extremely grateful to Andrew and Jacqui, who made the effort to talk with us honestly and frankly about the Basin Plan and work being undertaken on the 2026 review,” MRSG chair Geoff Moar said.
“We were also delighted to welcome representatives from local government throughout the region, as well as others from the New South Wales Government’s water department.
“We believe the workshop helped everyone to better understand various aspects of the Basin Plan, and our desire to work collaboratively with governments to deliver the best possible plan for our environment and communities which rely on the Basin for their livelihood.”
Mr Moar acknowledged there were positive signs, including some realisation that the ‘just add water’ focus on delivering environmental water was not the best way to support a sustainable basin.
However, Mr Moar said there was still concern that politics may get in the way of delivering the best possible plan.
“Water buybacks are not the best way forward for many reasons, and it is disappointing that federal Water Minister Tanya Plibersek continues this unnecessary focus on buybacks when there are other preferable and achievable solutions,” Mr Moar said.
“While the minister says all options are on the table, in reality that’s not what we are seeing.”
Mr Moar said it was important for Australians to realise that removing water from production would increase the price of food at the supermarket and potentially have serious consequences for the nation’s food security.
“Therefore, we all need to work collaboratively to protect both the environment and food security.
“I believe the workshop was a positive step forward and agree with one participant who, after listening to explanations around the Basin Plan Review, stated it ‘may be an opportunity to get some common sense into this nightmare’.
“We certainly aim to continue working closely with governments and their agencies, doing what we can so this is achieved.”
Also at the workshop was NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water’s director Murray-Darling Basin and intergovernmental Samantha McCallum.
Tim Horne presented a proposal to overcome issues with Menindee Lakes, and Louise Burge gave a comprehensive presentation on unique issues in the NSW Murray and its tributaries.
The workshop also touched on the NSW Murray Valley Adaptive Road Map, which provides pathways to improve water delivery.
Brief presentations were also given by Lourene Liebenberg who talked about mental health and the impact of stress in our communities, along with local farmer Sharni Hood who spoke about difficulties being faced by farmers due to government policy, stating “we seem to be under attack from our own (federal) government”.
“Overall, it was a positive day with lots of information sharing in a genuine and respectful manner,” Mr Moar said.
“We hope to continue moving forward, and this will include inviting key stakeholders to visit the region, talk with us and listen to ways we believe can improve the Basin Plan.
“We are especially keen to host Minister Plibersek, and hope she will respond positively to our invitations.
“As the key decision-maker it is important she has a more thorough understanding of the system and best ways to achieve the environmental outcomes that everyone wants.”
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