Dear Editor
As the Nationals Senator for Victoria, I have a strong interest in a healthy Murray Darling-Basin and will fight for the wellbeing of Victoria’s irrigation communities.
Over the last fortnight, there have been significant developments in the Murray Darling Basin Plan process.
Two bills that amend the Water Act passed the House of Representatives last week and have been referred to the Senate for inquiry:
· The first of the two bills establishes the mechanism to change sustainable diversion limits within the Plan through a legislative instrument; and
· The second establishes a $1.77bn fund for the acquisition of an additional 450GL of environmental water for the Murray Darling Basin.
For Victoria, it is important that potential flooding issues arising from these changes are recognised.
The Senate Environment and Communications Committee will hear from key stakeholders before reporting for both bills on the 19th of November.
Federal Labor Water Minister, Tony Bourke, is then expected to table the final Murray Darling Basin Plan for consideration by the Parliament.
It is important for regional Victoria that we get a plan that delivers local communities a certain and sustainable future.
Please contact my office if you have any questions or concerns about the Murray Darling Basin Plan process.