MDBA spokesperson, Russell James, said the MDBA's Basin-wide compliance review would consider current state legislation and administration of compliance across the Basin and compare it with best practice.
"We have wasted no time in getting this review underway. In recent weeks we have been in the Riverland, Murrumbidgee, Barwon–Darling, Goulburn–Murray and Lower Balonne to take a closer look at how compliance is working on-the-ground," Mr James said.
"During these field trips we have met with more than 45 representatives from regional communities, community groups, property owners and irrigators, former public servants, environmental groups and staff from various Commonwealth, State and local government agencies.
"We have also held six targeted roundtable meetings with water users and stakeholder groups around the Basin attended by over 80 people.
"These field trips form an essential part of the review process—seeing compliance operations in action and hearing from local farmers and stakeholders will help us identify impediments to compliance and ways to strengthen approaches.
"It is vital that everyone can have trust in the Basin Plan and the systems for its successful implementation—so we are working hard to ensure that these systems are in place to deliver it.
"We are also encouraging all interested members of the community to have their say by completing a survey to share their insights into issues and opportunities in relation to compliance in the Basin. This survey is available on the MDBA's website at getinvolved.mdba.gov.au."
The MDBA's review is supported by an independent expert panel, which will provide a separate report on the MDBA review to Basin ministers, including on the Authority's own role in compliance and enforcement practices, and ways in which these can be improved.
The MDBA and Independent Panel reports will be provided to the Murray-Darling Basin Ministerial Council by 24 November 2017, and subsequently to the Council of Australian Governments (COAG).
Ends
For more information, contact the MDBA Media office at media@mdba.gov.au or 02 6279 0141
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