FOR many, criticism of the Murray Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) has been an ongoing development brought on by the increasingly frustrating issues concerning access to water.
Following on from the recent hiving off the oversight aspect of the organisation to an independent auditor general, the organisation is taking note of some of the reports recently produced that looked at the problems the organisation faced with the community.
The MDBA is now undertaking a range of actions to make it easier for basin communities to see and understand what’s happening with river management and contribute to the ongoing conversation about water reform.
Speaking at the Murray Darling Association’s 76th National Conference, MDBA chief executive, Phillip Glyde said recent findings on the difficulties faced by communities had prompted the MDBA to look again at what more could be done by the agency to improve transparency and two-way communication.
“A healthy working basin requires healthy working communities, improved water management cannot progress without community support,” said Mr Glyde last week.
Mr Glyde said the MDBA would continue to be the truth tellers on the Basin Plan and report on progress, the good, the bad and the ugly.
“Our report cards and reviews aren’t always comfortable reading for governments and other agencies.
“But they are necessary so that policies and programs can be adjusted to make sure we end up with a truly sustainable Murray Darling Basin, where all its values are protected and can be enjoyed by our children and grandchildren, and their children and grandchildren.”
