WITH the Murray-Darling Basin Plan continuing to cause concern and debate, a unique opportunity reared its head for Leeton Shire Council.
The council has been selected as one of six partners to host a regional engagement officer for the Murray-Darling Basin Authority (MDBA).
This is the first step for the MDBA in “enhancing their regional presence” in order to help it explain its role, work with the community and to ensure all voices are heard.
The project is being conducted as a 12-month pilot with a view to learning how best to strengthen connections with communities across the Basin.
Leeton mayor and chairman of the Murray-Darling Association region nine, Paul Maytom, said the shire had been keen to put its hands up to work constructively with the MDBA to address water issues across the wider region.
“This is extremely positive news for our region and we look forward to working with all relevant stakeholders to bring ideas back to the MDBA and influence the role out of the Basin Plan,” he said.
Leeton shire is stewarding this position on behalf of a wider region with details of the regional boundary yet to be determined. It has been determined that this will be a part-time role.
The five other host organisations selected were Greater Shepparton City Council in Victoria, Regional Darling Downs and South West in Queensland, North East Catchment Management Authority in Victoria, SA MBB Natural Resource Management Board in South Australia and Wentworth Shire Council in NSW.
