Coming in under a shroud of suspicion from Southern basin communities, new federal water minister Keith Pitt took to the Basin in his first introductory tour.
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Escorted by Senator Perin Davey on his tour, which included a behind the scenes view of Murrumbidgee Irrigation, he addressed the main concerns with his appointment.
He says being the first non-basin minister for water in a long time will actually be beneficial, despite not having extensive background on the Murray Darling Basin.
With a background in business and engineering instead, the former farmer is excited to get "dust on my feet".
This is the first visit, and there will be many more, I am looking at critical infrastructure, just to try to get that first hand view of what the challenges are.
- Keith Pitt
"In my view it is a good thing. It means I can never be accused of not acting in the best interest of my constituents, as a member of the house of representatives, acting in a balanced way in the national interest," he said.
"As an engineer and an electrician, I am a practical guy, love getting dust on my feet.
"This is the first visit, and there will be many more, I am looking at critical infrastructure, just to try to get that first hand view of what the challenges are."
Groups such as the Convoy to Canberra organisers say his appointment was a potential "ploy" to get former minister David Littleproud "out of the firing line".
Avoiding entering the debate, Mr Pitt instead said it was a "humbling" appointment.
"The Prime Minister has asked me to do a job, it's very humbling to be asked to join the cabinet."
Another concern echoed by the Speak Up group was his ability to enact action once Murray Darling Basin's interim inspector general Mick Keelty's report is delivered.
However he said surrounding himself with those in the know, like Ms Davey, will allow him to make informed decisions to act in the national interest.
"No-one has more knowledge on water than the senator, and she has provided a wealth of knowledge," Mr Pitt said.
Not planning on meeting with these two groups on this inaugural tour, Ms Davey said this trip, while constrained on time, will give Mr Pitt the background he needs to be able to address their concerns.
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"It was really important to give the minister an understanding of the system, and then when he does meet with those stakeholders like Speak Up, he then knows what they are talking about," she explained.
Overall, Mr Pitt hopes to provide "comfort" to the community they will act in their best interests.;
"We have the opportunity here to deliver some real outcomes to the people of the Murray Darling Basin, and I look forward to it," Mr Pitt said.
