Landholders downstream of Lake Hume weir have received a commitment from the Murray Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) it will improve communication on the impact of water releases.
The commitment was made during a round-table meeting in Wodonga organised and led by Indi Independent MP Cathy McGowan and involving the MDBA and representatives from New South Wales Water and the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM).
“The MDBA agreed to form a working group with NSW Water to review the early warning system,” Mr McGowan said.
“They will also seek, in conjunction with the Murray River Action Group, a meeting with the Basin Officials Committee to address priorities currently dictating the management of water releases.”
Landholders were able to voice their concerns directly to MDBA chair Neil Andrew executive director David Dreverman, and BoM and NSW Water representatives.
Ms McGowan said the MDBA would also seek, in conjunction with the Murray River Action Group, a meeting with the Basin Officials Committee to address priorities, currently dictating the management of water releases.
“These are two concrete actions that make me optimistic that things can be done better in the future,” Ms McGowan said.
“Landholders came to me with very clear concerns about communication from MDBA, particularly around the use of live data and local knowledge.
“With that I was able to ask questions in parliament and then convene this meeting, which brought the right people together quickly to address the problems face to face.
“The effects of the water releases have been significant and I have been deeply concerned about the long term impact if the problems are not addressed.”