The Murray-Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) has reflected on the past six years, saying it believes the plan is headed in the right direction. 

However, there remain many objectors to the plan in full or sections of it. 

Farmers are currently experiencing low water allocations in the MIA, with the drought playing a major factor. 

Many growers believe the MDBA needs to continue to focus on the impacts the plan is having on communities such as Leeton, citing the need for more balance of the environment and the socio-economic factors involved. 

RELATED

MDBA chairman Neil Andrew maintains the Basin Plan was needed and the organisation will continue to more forward with its implementation. 

“The MDBA is continually improving various aspects of our work, so the plan is implemented as it was designed and intended to be,” he said. 

“That means some of the settings will continue to change, taking into account new information, better methods or rolling averages.

“My current focus, and that of the authority, is on rising to meet future challenges and ensuring that implementation of the Basin Plan remains true to its intent.

“We are planning climate change research, to make sure the mechanisms ... will allow us to continue to manage climate change risks into the future.”

Leeton Shire Council mayor Paul Maytom remained firm that the plan needed to be done right and not just on time. 

“I believe we need to get it right, so if the deadline needs to be extended (before the full implementation) than that’s what needs to happen,” he said. 

“The Productivity Commission report was scathing of the plan in many areas, so we need to look at that and address those issues.

“There’s also the issue of the 450 gigalitres and how that will happen.

“We don’t want productive water being taken from our area.”

****

While you’re with us, you can now receive updates straight to your inbox every Friday at 6am from The Irrigator. To make sure you’re up to date with all news in Leeton sign up here.