As the year draws to a close, the group has reflected on successful engagement which aims to improve government understanding of unique issues faced in the NSW Murray under the Murray-Darling Basin Plan.
Importantly, MRSG also has a strong focus on presenting solutions to these issues that can deliver win:win outcomes for the environment and local communities.
MRSG chair Geoff Moar said the group believes collaboration is the key to delivering a balanced Basin Plan.
“Our aim is to enhance decision-making by empowering policy makers with genuine local knowledge and expertise.
“To achieve this goal we have carefully researched and presented a number of documents, including our Murray Regional Water Strategy, Co-design Engagement Framework, and NSW Murray Valley Adaptive Roadmap.
“Each, in its own way, is aimed at providing policy makers and water managers with more effective ways to balance this precious resource.”
MRSG’s engagement in 2022 has included three effective and positive workshops, which were attended by representatives from the Australian and NSW Governments, Murray-Darling Basin Authority and Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder.
It has participated in meetings with numerous federal and state government ministers, including Federal Water Minister Tanya Plibersek and NSW Water Minister Kevin Anderson, as well as local politicians and local government representatives.
MRSG also met with MDBA chief executive Andrew McConville during his tour of the region.
“This engagement has been an important aspect of our primary objective, and we aim to continue this approach in 2023,” Mr Moar said.
Because of flooding across the region there has been less activity from MRSG in the past two months, as many of its members who were directly and indirectly affected by the floods recover both physically and emotionally.
“We have a deep understanding that many of our members have had to prioritise protecting their lives and properties,” Mr Moar said.
“As a result we have postponed our annual general meeting to March 2023.
“At that time we will report on the past year’s activities and set the foundations for ongoing efforts on behalf of our communities.”
MRSG represents a diverse range of farming and community organisations including Murray Valley Private Diverters, Ricegrowers Association of Australia, Eagle Creek Pumping Syndicate, West Corurgan Private Irrigation District, Murray Irrigation Ltd, Southern Riverina Irrigators, Yarkuwa Indigenous Knowledge Centre and Speak Up Campaign.
It was established in 2018 in response to calls for a united voice to represent the region on water issues.
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