The Murray Darling Association is well aware of the Environmental Flows problem and its potential impact on Local Government and their communities in and beyond the Murray-Darling Basin.
The Association’s National Local Government Environmental Flows Conference is being held at the Bendigo Bank Centre at Mildura on 9 and 10 July 2003.
The Conference is being sponsored by the Murray-Darling Basin Commission and is endorsed by the Australian Local Government Association.
The focus of the Conference will be based on a Local Government perspective and aims to achieve the following.
- Developing greater understanding of the concept of a healthy working river in an integrated catchment management context.
- Generating better realisation of issues facing communities and environment.
- Identifying implications of, and responses to, change to water sharing arrangements.
While the Conference will focus on the Murray-Darling Basin, it will have application for Councils, catchment organisations and government agencies concerned about the state of rivers anywhere in Australia.
The conference will begin by identifying the social, economic and environmental issues associated with Environmental Flows.
It will provide the delegates with a sound understanding of the many options available and provide a platform for those wishing to become more involved in the current debate.
Concurrent workshops will cover topics such as water for the environment; fairness and equity; and the science and important questions for Local Government.
The final session will develop a Local Government Perspective on the issue of Environment Flow so that Local Government can be an active participant in the debate.
Key speakers include Dr David Kemp, Federal Minister for Environment and Heritage; John Hill, South Australian Minister for the River Murray; Don Blackmore, Chief Executive, Murray-Darling Basin Commission; Councillor John Ross, Tatiara District Council; and Jim Hullick JP OAM.
For further information or sponsorship details contact Leon Broster, General Manager, Murray Darling Association, on (08) 8226 0582 or email lbroster@chariot.net.au
