Local Government representation on the Murray-Darling Basin Authority Basin Community Committee has swelled to 25 percent with the appointment of four new appointees from the ranks of the Murray Darling Association.
The committee helps the authority understand the complex issues across the Basin and gives advice on how to best manage the Basin’s water resources in the future.
AlburyCity Councillor, David Thurley, Renmark Paringa Mayor, Neil Martinson, Balonne Shire Councillor, Samantha O’Toole, and Campaspe Shire Mayor, Adrian Weston join eight other new appointees to the committee.
The Murray Darling Association, representing a number of councils across the Murray-Darling Basin, last year sought local government representation on the Murray-Darling Basin Ministerial Council (the Council) and/or the Basin Officials Committee (BOC).
In response, the Minister of Water and Agriculture has increased local government numbers in the 16-member Basin Community Committee.
Cr Thurley said, “With a quarter of the new appointments being councillors from across the Basin, there is recognition that local government has a valuable role contributing local knowledge and expertise in the management of Murray-Darling Basin resources, and in the continuing implementation of the Plan.
“We appreciate this very positive step forward, and I look forward to working with the committee.”
The Basin Community Committee will hold its first meeting in August, with the new appointees to serve three-year terms.
