This was then followed by the Sustainable Rivers Audit and the Basin Plan Evaluation (mid 2025) and then in late 2025 the Outlook for the Basin and Sustainable Yields reports.
The final discussion paper released earlier this year encompassed findings from each step of the process, highlighting areas for consideration and seeking advice through submissions by all interested parties.
During this three-month period the MDBA has run explanatory webinars on critical areas under consideration and has had staff meeting with community groups and individuals across the basin. I understand no-one has been refused a request to meet with the MDBA in some form over this period.
Following each stage of this lengthy process, the MDBA has encouraged and welcomed comments and advice and made staff available at every opportunity.
The MDBA is now responsible to consider all submissions and comments made during this process and prepare its Basin Plan Review, required to be presented to government by the end of this year. Unlike many reports to government, this report is required to be made public the day it’s presented, in a final act of transparency.
While no consultation is perfect, I find it difficult to understand criticism of the MDBA’s overall open and transparent process and a call for an extension to the May 1 closing period for consultation.
I believe the process has been well planned, spread over a manageable period offering all interested parties numerous opportunities for clarification and comments, culminating in the current three-month period for final submissions.
At a time when our communities understandably complain of being worn down by reviews and consultations, calls to unnecessarily prolong this review seems ill-advised and counterproductive.
John Pettigrew
Secretary
Goulburn Valley Environment Group
