Media Releases

Basin communities must voice their concerns about the draft Murray-Darling Basin Plan before it’s too late, Water Minister Peter Walsh said today.
“Now the draft plan has been released, there are 20 weeks where people can make submissions and attend community forums to have their say,” Mr Walsh said.
“Irrigators and basin communities need to voice their concerns loud and clear, so the Murray-Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) might finally get the message.
“Craig Knowles needs to listen to communities and incorporate their thinking into the plan.”
Mr Walsh said regional communities in Wangaratta, Echuca, Kerang and Mildura needed to be consulted immediately – and listened to.
“The MDBA has held numerous community sessions but has failed to act on the concerns being voiced,” Mr Walsh said.
“The water cuts proposed by the Authority will drastically change the state’s food and fibre producing industries and the regional communities that rely on them.
“Victoria has already met its in-valley targets. The remaining 964GL for end of system flows to come from the southern basin should be achieved through environmental works and measures.
“Basin communities have a right to have details of this plan explained sooner rather than later, so they are able to make informed submissions during the consultation period.”
Mr Walsh said the development of the draft plan so far, from communities being ignored during its development to the draft plan being leaked before its release, had been disappointing.
“While the MDBA is beyond the point of being able to redeem itself, the least it can do is ensure there is thorough and transparent consultation from now on,” Mr Walsh said.
Voice your concerns by sending submissions to submissions@mdba.gov.au or Proposed Basin Plan, Murray–Darling Basin Authority, GPO Box 3001, CANBERRA CITY ACT 2601.