With submissions now closed for the Draft River Murray (Corowa to Ovens River) Erosion Management Plan the Murray–Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) and Roads and Maritime Services would like to thank all community members, including locals and tourists for their valuable feedback and input into the draft.
MDBA head of River Management, Andrew Reynolds, said that the three public information sessions were well attended and that conversations had were constructive.
"We heard from a range of community members, including local business owners, tourist operators, landholders, river users, council members and visitors. I would like to thank everyone who attended and for their direct feedback and input," Mr Reynolds said.
"Three hundred and five submissions were received. This is a significant number, and shows the community was highly engaged and prepared to take the time to provide their views on the topic. We appreciate the time and effort everyone has taken writing their submissions."
Roads and Maritime Principal Manager Southern Maritime, Michael Hammond, said that there were a range of topics raised in the submissions received.
"The main topics raised related to business and the local economy, environmental concerns and outcomes and safety and amenity issues," Mr Hammond said.
"Submissions are currently in the process of being consolidated, considered and responded to in a submissions report. We ask for patience, as this will take time given the range of topics covered and the high number of submissions.
"We want to get this right, and consider all the details and feedback provided, so it’s important not to rush this part of the process.
"As I said at the Corowa meeting, when the report has been fully drafted, the next step will be to have the stakeholder representatives on the River Murray Project Management Committee review and consider the different views, information, data and proposals.
"The committee will then advise the MDBA and Roads and Maritime of any possible changes and make recommendations influencing the current draft plan.
"Recommendations will then be considered for implementation by Roads and Maritime and the NSW Minister for Roads and Maritime and Freight, Melinda Pavey.
"Again we thank everyone for their time and effort in this matter."
More information about the draft plan and to view the feedback and comments left by community members directly on the interactive map is available via the following link:
http://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/projects/south-coast/river-murray-erosion-management-plan/index.html
ENDS