THE draft Murray-Darling Basin Plan consultation period reaches its halfway point today but the man responsible for its creation isn’t about to change his stance.
Despite impassioned pleas at consultation meetings in Griffith and Deniliquin, Murray-Darling Basin Authority chairman Craig Knowles gave no indication there would be any changes to the draft before it became legislation.
Speaking to The Area News yesterday, he said the only thing he had learnt was what he had always expected – there were very different views about water across the basin.
“Various interest groups have been saying exactly what we expected them to say – there have been no surprises so far,” Mr Knowles said.
“We know we have to strike a balance, we can’t go to the extreme ends one way or another.
“The overwhelming message has been that there is a desire for a plan. We concede that places like Griffith don’t like the plan that’s on the table but there is a clear theme that people want to get on with things and I think that’s a sensible approach to take.”
Mr Knowles had been pleased to hear of increased infrastructure spending over the past 10 weeks, saying it would be of more benefit to regional economies than buyback.
While he believed the most significant aspect of the next 10 weeks would be the governments’ response to the draft plan, he would continue to meet with communities around the basin.
Griffith residents are being encouraged to continue writing letters to federal Water Minister Tony Burke and the MDBA to explain the potential effects the plan will have on the community.
Mayor Mike Neville urged locals not to leave the task to stakeholder groups, saying personal stories would be the region’s most powerful weapon.
“We are encouraging schools, service clubs and other organisations to respond to the draft plan – every person should do everything they can to get the message across to our politicians,” Cr Neville said.
“This is a chance to ensure your voices are heard – and a real chance to make a change.”
The next 10 weeks will be an intense time for the Griffith community, with two local groups planning protest marches in Canberra.
Public consultation on the draft plan will finish on April 16.
Email a friend