Key water conference

The Murray Darling Basin River Reflections conference to be held in Narrabri is a significant coup for not just the Namoi Valley catchment, but the entire Northern Basin catchment valleys, says Narrabri based Executive Officer of Namoi Water, Mick Coffey.

MDBA chair Sir Angus Houston and MDBA Chief Executive Andrew McConville will attend the conference.

“The Northern Basin is often demonised in the media, and there is a great deal of misinformation about the way the entire Murray Darling system works” said Mr Coffey.

“To get people from all persuasions in the water industry here to see for themselves our river, our landscape, our communities, our management, and our efficiencies is an opportunity to educate people and dispel some of the inaccuracies which are commonplace in certain areas of the water industry.”

The conference on June 14 and 15 at The Crossing Theatre will hear from a suite of presenters on a wide range of topics such as economic, environmental, social, and cultural outcomes of the Basin Plan so far, proposed steps for the continuation of the Plan and presentations from Australian and International experts on water management and farming.

There will also be tours to the Narrabri Fish Farm, The Sydney University Plant Breeding Institute, Federation Farm, Australian Cotton Research Institute and Merced Farming.

Mr Coffey felt confident that the region will be showcased strongly to visitors,

“It is important those visiting our region get a first-hand look and understanding of what is in the Namoi. Along with visiting these ‘jewels in the crown’ locations nearby there is a great deal of local knowledge to be heard.

“Attendees will be hearing from Eddie Trindall, mayor Ron Campbell, irrigators Daniel Kahl and Andrew Watson as respected locals who offer perspectives from a variety of fields.”

The conference has been some time in the planning stages, with the agenda, presenters, and tours all meticulously drafted and workshopped by a steering committee which consisted of MDBA staff, Mr Coffey (Namoi Water), Annabelle Guest (MDBA Local Engagement Officer), Lyn Trindall (Narrabri Aboriginal Lands Council) along with representatives from Cotton Australia, Narrabri Shire Council, National Irrigators Council and Local Lands Services.

“Having MDBA chair Sir Angus Houston and MDBA chief executive Andrew McConville attend in person ensures the conference has a strong focus on current issues of focus for the MDBA, which includes the recent open tender for water entitlement buybacks issued by the Federal Labor Water minister Tanya Plibersek.

Mr Coffey feels the attendance of those close to Minister Plibersek is an opportunity to deliver the sentiments of communities affected by buybacks.

“The tender has no criterion as part of it to consider the socio-economic impacts of removing water from local economies.

“It is acknowledged there is 9.5GL of water to be recovered from the Namoi catchment for environmental purposes, but it needs to be done with a considered, rational approach with all options considered.

“It would be a disaster for the Commonwealth to swoop in and take any water before applying a triple bottom line assessment.

“Everyone knows that previous buyback programs have decimated communities such as Collarenebri – we can’t and won’t accept that again.

“The tender program has been arrogant, insulting, and exclusive – most certainly not equitable or open so there is some real damage control work to be done by the Minister to have communities and industry trust her.

“Rather than dictate terms without first engaging with the stakeholders and their communities, the government and its departments should consult properly in a transparent manner to endeavour to achieve a workable outcome that delivers their requirements but has not created undue socio-economic impacts in the process.”

The conference begins with 8am registration on Wednesday, June 14 and will finish on Thursday 15 June at 3:30pm.