Our joint Regional Engagement Officer (REO) program with the Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water (DCCEEW) plays a key role in how we build trust and transparency around sustainable water management with Basin communities.
A REO's role is hands-on and helps provide us with grassroots knowledge and the capability to build partnerships.
REOs participate in community forums and liaise with First Nations groups in the area. They build relationships and share information, experiences and concerns for the community and the stakeholders they work with and for, including the Murray–Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) and DCCEEW.
Importantly, they listen.
Get to know your local REO
Shona Whitfield commenced in the role of Regional Engagement Officer with the MDBA in October 2023, and is already busy developing relationships with Barwon–Darling communities.
Building connections to the region
“I’ve lived and worked in the Macquarie region for more than 20 years and have dedicated a large part of my career to the Murray–Darling Basin and the many communities, First Nations people, and flora and fauna that rely upon its lands and waters.”
“In that time, I’ve worked for non-government agencies in water management dealing with whole river systems as well as the New South Wales Local Land Services and Catchment Management Authorities in roles that have a strong emphasis on water, wetlands engagement and First Nations."
Making a mark on the health of the Basin
“One of the most notable things I was involved in during my time within the Central West region was the Macquarie Marshes – an important Ramsar-listed wetland system in central west New South Wales,” Shona said.
“I was fortunate to be involved in the development of the successful $3.2 million grant for the Marshes, Window on the Wetland Centre, and the Burrima Boardwalk. The boardwalk is a 2 kilometre path through river red gum forest, and mixed marsh and dense reeds that provides an immersive experience of the Macquarie Marshes wetland.”
Acknowledging the voices of your community
“One of the key takeaways from my experience in river management is acknowledging the different connections throughout the Murray-Darling system,” Shona said.
“Every single part of our river system feeds into another, and if you make changes to one part of the river, you need to consider how it might affect the water, ecosystems and communities further upstream or downstream.
“Sustainable river management is really about having that whole of Basin perspective, and ensuring that Basin communities are connecting, networking, and being heard when they share their voices and concerns.”
We encourage people to talk to us about their experiences and concerns. We want everyone invested in the Basin to contact the Regional Engagement Team. Our Regional Engagement Officers have an impressive range of skills, experience and strong community ties. To provide feedback or keep up to date on this program, email engagement@mdba.gov.au.