The reduction in water for irrigation communities has had a flow-on effect to businesses in towns, meaning impacts beyond the farmgate.
This year, communities are being given a chance to contribute their thoughts on the plan’s implementation and future to the Basin Plan Review, with submissions being accepted by the Murray-Darling Basin Authority.
To ensure wide-ranging perspectives are included in its submission, the Murray Regional Strategy Group is holding community meetings.
This will ensure the submission reflects community views and concerns.
There will be two opportunities to have your say – at an open forum at the Deniliquin Golf Club from 1.30pm on Tuesday, March 24, or in an online session from 10am on Thursday, March 26.
To register, use the link at www.murrayregionalstrategygroup.com.au or email murrayrsg@gmail.com.
MRSG is inviting all irrigators, riparian landholders, small business owners and interested community members across the NSW Murray Valley to attend the meeting or online session.
“It is important we have community input for our submission,” Chair Geoff Moar said.
The MRSG submission is being prepared by experienced water consultant Claire Miller, who will address both meetings.
Mr Moar will also explain the MRSG submission process and work undertaken to ensure it is a strong submission that raises issues with the Basin Plan that have impacted the region.
“There have been many unintended consequences of the Basin Plan that need to be highlighted in review submissions,” Mr Moar said.
“We need governments to understand that Australia’s food security is important, even more so in a world that is becoming more volatile, and it is being compromised by the Basin Plan.
“Lack of water for agriculture is reducing food supplies and making our nation more reliant on imports.
“Additionally, we are storing huge quantities of water in dams, supposedly for environmental use, yet the volumes legislated under the original Basin Plan will not fit down the system.
“When the plan was being developed more than 15 years ago, regional communities were promised an adaptive plan that would be fair and balanced.
“That promise has not been delivered, but there are achievable solutions that can help Australia protect both the environment and our food security.
“I am sure these and many other issues will be raised at our meetings, and look forward to receiving community input to ensure our submission effectively represents the New South Wales Murray region,” Mr Moar said.
31°C