"The power of the people won out on the day".
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That is how MIA co-ordinator of the Convoy to Canberra and Leeton shire resident, Robert Quodling, views this week's protest in Canberra which called for the Murray-Darling Basin Plan to be axed.
Thousands traveled from all over the basin to take part in the two-day protest on Monday and Tuesday. At times it was heated.
Some politicians fronted the group, including Pauline Hanson, Michael McCormack, Helen Dalton and Suzzana Sheed.
Representatives from the protest contingent were also given the green light to head inside Parliament House and speak with Minister for Water David Littleproud and Minister for Agriculture Bridget McKenzie.
From this discussion, it was announced an independent auditor would be appointed to revise and review the Basin Plan.
"This news was meet with a range of responses, but overall it was seen as a commitment by the government to investigate and attempt to adjust the plan to one which (will be) 'workable'," Mr Quodling said.
"However there was a glimmer of hope and a further commitment by all those who attended to return in greater numbers if things were not headed in the right direction.
"Seemingly, the power of the people won out on the day."
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The agreement will see the Interim Inspector General Murray Darling Basin Water Resources Mick Keelty immediately investigate the impact of the changing distribution of inflows to the Southern Basin on state shares under the Murray-Darling Basin Agreement.
It will also consider any consequential impacts on state share resulting from reserves required under the agreement, including how these interact with state allocation policies.
Fellow rally organiser Chris Brooks said the take home message to communities and farmers was "you have a future".
"For the first time that I've been involved in this water debate it's been really positive," he said. Mr Keelty will report back on his findings to Mr Littleproud by March 31.
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