Submissions for the review close at 5pm on Friday, May 1, and it is important for the region’s future that a wide cross section of the community is represented during this process.
The Murray Regional Strategy Group, representing communities across the NSW Murray region, has employed water consultant Claire Miller to assist with preparation of its submission.
It says individual submissions are also very valuable, giving a personal perspective on Basin Plan impacts.
MRSG executive officer Shelley Scoullar said a submission does not have to go into detail, and can be either written or a video.
“This is an opportunity for rural and regional people to tell their stories. This is the time to be open and honest about how the Basin Plan has changed our communities and our lives,” she said.
Mrs Scoullar said rural people are renowned for being stoic and resilient, but now is not the time to quietly sit back and “tough it out”.
“We need to put our hearts on our sleeves and accurately tell our side of the story.
“For more than a decade, governments have refused to listen to the mounting evidence of significant social, economic and mental health impacts of the Basin Plan.
“If you have seen or experienced any of these, please make a submission and tell your story, no matter how brief.”
Mrs Scoullar said for nearly 15 years, the MDBA has been trying to convince communities it can fix environmental problems in the Coorong, Lower Lakes and Murray Mouth by recovering more water and pouring it down the system.
The MDBA’s Discussion Paper, which informs the current Basin Plan Review, now openly acknowledges that this approach will not work.
It also highlights that no more water recovery may actually be needed, anywhere in the southern Basin.
“As a result, the viability of local communities and our national food security is being threatened with water recovery, that even the Murray-Darling Basin Authority is now admitting probably isn’t needed,” Mrs Scoullar said.
“Unfortunately, many of those who keep demanding more water recovery have never visited regional areas to see first-hand the opportunities which exist to achieve on-farm environmental outcomes.
“We see every day the damage to our communities from the Basin Plan, but governments refuse to listen and the MDBA refuses to effectively use its position as an independent organisation to recommend urgent change.
“As a result, we have to make it known, loud and clear, that we want a Basin Plan that protects our environment, but also protects our communities and food security. This is what we were promised, but it has not been delivered.
“So it is time we made those reading our submissions feel uncomfortable about the devastation the Basin Plan has had, and point out to those in power that the MDBA’s own data shows that future water recovery isn’t needed.”
Mrs Scoullar has committed to making her own video submission based on personal experience, and said MRSG is encouraging others to ensure they have input with either a personalised video or individually written submission by the May 1 deadline.
Further information about making a submission can be found on the MRSG website - murrayregionalstrategygroup.com.au.
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