“IT IS a bandaid solution”.
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That is how NSW Farmers Griffith branch president Helen Dalton views the position of regional engagement officer for the Murray-Darling Basin Authority (MDBA).
Leeton shire resident Liz Stott has taken up the appointment to present the views of the region to the MDBA on the Basin Plan.
Mrs Dalton said Mrs Stott had a vast understanding of the plan and its issues, but she took issue with the authority.
“They needed to have someone from their office in Canberra come out here and live in the community and experience everything we as farmers are going through,” she said.
“While it is a step in the right direction, I still don’t think we will be able to get our point across. They are just ticking off another box when it comes to saying they have properly consulted with the community.
“The MDBA needs to move all of its offices out here to where the people are being affected by the plan. That’s when they will get a real understanding.”
Mrs Stott is one of many throughout the basin to be employed in the basin.
Her position is based in Leeton and aims to provide residents with an avenue to feed their experiences, concerns and aspirations back to the MDBA. Mrs Dalton was hopeful following the northern review into the plan and the resulting changes that a similar outcome would be felt in the MIA.
“Hopefully with the southern review we see some real changes to the plan, but it does seem to be the MDBA is on their course and there’s not much we can do to change it,” she said.
