Some of us who were fortunate to have a rain-forced break on Thursday took the opportunity to participate in two webinars – one featuring Water Minister, Keith Pitt and the other featuring Basin Plan Inspector-General, Mick Keelty.
I felt extremely frustrated, especially after listening to Keelty, who can see that there are problems, yet in his report he skips over the main issues and misses his opportunity to provide some real solutions.
Many of us are in the second and third decade of dealing with changes to water policy and management. We have seen a revolving door of Water Ministers, bureaucrats and advisors who come and go depending on their personal situations and ambitions.
But we are still here, suffering the consequences of bad management and an extreme lack of understanding about the mistakes, and more importantly the solutions which could return some common-sense to this vexed issue.
Our farmers are still trying to do what we do best – grow the cleanest and greenest food in the world. Our biggest challenge used to be weather and markets, now it’s politicians and bureaucrats more interested in saving their own skins, rather than supporting good policy.
We would like the opportunity to work with governments to achieve this lofty aim, though it’s unlikely this will occur as there isn’t the political willpower.
As for the Murray Darling Basin Authority (MDBA), it will continue spending the government’s billions until there is no more, because it appears as if we do not have Ministers with the courage to implement the Productivity Commission recommendations.
Numerous politicians have called for the MDBA to be disbanded, but it seems Federal Government cannot muster the courage to take this step.
I sensed frustration from Mr Keelty with the MDBA. He’s only been working with them for a period of months, so imagine how we feel after nearly a decade. It refuses to acknowledge either its own shortcomings or those of the Basin Plan and shows no interest in working with our communities on any solutions.
While watching the webinar featuring Mr Pitt, it was obvious he has not yet developed much knowledge of his portfolio. If I could be so bold as to offer him some advice: Start listening to people on the ground who know more about water management than your Canberra advisors. If previous Ministers had taken local advice, we would not be in the terrible situation that exists today.
Also, please take note of one of the very few comments from Mr Keelty that is 100% accurate: ‘We have to find a better way to manage the system for the long term. We have to find solutions’. Our communities have got the solutions we just need to be heard!
Your faithfully,
Jan Beer
Upper Goulburn River Catchment Association , Vic
