The newly appointed Regional Engagement Officer (REO), Brett Ibbotson, works on water planning issues in the Lower Murray area and has strong links with the local community, landholders and local government.
Chief Executive of the MDBA, Phillip Glyde, said having Mr Ibbotson on board provided a new avenue for local people to feed their experiences, concerns and aspirations back to the MDBA, and was an important step towards greater community understanding of the Basin Plan.
"Mr Ibbotson is one of five REOs starting in the job this month. They are bringing with them impressive skills and experience, which are matched by the expertise of their host organisations," Mr Glyde said.
With a master’s degree in water resource management, Brett Ibbotson will be working part-time with the MDBA while continuing in his role as a water planner on local catchment projects.
Regional Director of Natural Resources SAMDB, Rhona Parker-Benton, welcomed the opportunity brought by the REO program to strengthen the relationship with the MDBA for the benefit of the Lower Murray.
"We have a strong understanding of water issues in this region and together with our established networks, including the Tri-State Murray Alliance, we will be helping the MDBA to deliver the Basin Plan for the good of communities and the environment in this part of the basin," Mrs Parker-Benton said.
The REOs will get together monthly as part of the pilot program. The other organisations hosting a REO include the Wentworth Shire Council, Greater Shepparton City Council, Leeton Shire Council, North East Catchment Management Authority and Regional Development Australia Darling Downs and South West Queensland.
ENDS
For more information, contact the MDBA Media office at media@mdba.gov.au or 02 6279 0141
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