THE region’s views regarding the Murray Darling Basin Plan will be heard at meetings held throughout the year.
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Gunnedah Shire Council (GSC) nominated councillor John Campbell to chair the meetings after an invitation from the Murray Darling Basin Authority.
It was resolved at Wednesday night’s council meeting that Cr Campbell will represent council at the meetings after his work with the authority in the past.
Cr Campbell told Wednesday night’s council meeting he will be advocating against withdrawal from the plan by the state government.
“We need to have a strong voice on this,” Cr Campbell said.
“I will be happy to attend and chair the meetings and will be strongly advocating against state government withdrawal from the plan.”
Gunnedah mayor Jamie Chaffey told the council meeting the impacts of state government withdrawal are still unknown.
“At the moment they don’t know what they impact will be,” Cr Chaffey said.
“I will support councillor Campbell during this process and act as back-up chair if the need arises.”
Cr Chaffey said the having a voice regarding the Murray Darling Basin Plan is vital to the Gunnedah area.
“Without water we have no residents,” he said.
“Given how large the agricultural industry is in our community it is important for us to have a voice on the issue, particularly if the NSW government pulls out.”
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Deputy mayor Gae Swain said change in the water allowance from the plan would have “massive impacts” on the area.
“This is a serious issue,” Cr Swain said.
“There will be massive impacts if the decision is overturned and the water allowance is only 390MG.”
Cr Campbell will chair four regional meetings throughout the year as well as an annual general meeting.
It was also resolved at the council meeting that Cr Campbell will attend a Murray Darling Basin Plan workshop in Albury next month.
Billy Jupp
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
Billy is a Senior Livestock Journalist for the Queensland Country Life based in Toowoomba. He has worked for a variety of different ACM mastheads during the past five years including the Namoi Valley Independent, Northern Daily Leader and The Land.
