A roadmap to change, but politics is the constraint

Dec 27, 2024

The MDBA’s constraints roadmap has suggested a range of flows for the Goulburn River.

The Murray Regional Strategy Group has welcomed the release of the Murray-Darling Basin Authority’s Constraints Implementation Relaxation Roadmap.

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MRSG chair Geoff Moar said the roadmap recognised some of the issues MRSG had been raising, and which were discussed with MDBA’s Andrew McConville and Jacqui Hickey during a recent workshop in Deniliquin.

“From these discussions I believe there is an increasing acceptance by the MDBA that flow volumes need to be reassessed, and there must be more consultation and collaboration with local people who have lived experience of the rivers and tributaries,” Mr Moar said.

“Some of this is reflected in the roadmap, which we welcome.

“But it will all be pointless unless there is an acceptance by the Albanese Government, in particular Water Minister Tanya Plibersek, that to achieve best results it is imperative we acknowledge and accept some changes.”

The MDBA recommends establishing an independent panel as part of the constraints roadmap, which Mr Moar said would be a crucial step.

However, he said it must be truly independent and have a broad representation, not hand-picked government policy supporters.

“In the past, too many knowledgeable, elected representatives of local organisations have been ostracised and excluded from working groups and consultation because they may present an alternative view.

“Many have valuable lived experience and their voices must be heard.

“Previous attempts to address the difficult issue of constraints have caused unnecessary division and distress.

“Our community representatives are ready and prepared to move on so we can develop effective solutions, but governments and their agencies have to do likewise.

“This includes recognising that community knowledge and experience is a key component to delivering the best environmental outcomes.

“Working with local communities to trial safe local flows, frequency, timing and duration targets is something we have been advocating for a long time and we look forward to genuine engagement in this space.

“We also welcome acknowledgement that longer timeframes are needed for such massive reforms.”

Mr Moar said everyone except Ms Plibersek seemed to recognise that flow targets and the ‘just add water’ approach must be reviewed, and as a natural extension water buybacks should be paused.