A water summit in Bendigo this morning is expected to express frustration with the Federal Government over water buybacks and the management of the Murray-Darling Basin.
The August 23 summit is expected to hear about the alternative Victorian Government plan to deliver environmental outcomes with less impact on agriculture.
Organised by the Gouburn Murray Irrigation District Water Leadership Group, the meeting will have close to 100 people attending.
“Everyone needs to know that despite what (Federal Water) Minister Plibersek is saying, there has not been consultation with regional communities and we do not agree with her approach on this,” leadership group co-chair David McKenzie said.
“Northern Victorian communities have been trying to work in good faith with the Federal Government, but those communities feel the good faith has not been reciprocated.
“The summit is an expression of the frustration and anxiety communities feel about (a) the way Minister Plibersek has engaged with them, and (b) the likely negative impacts of her proposed implementation.”
The summit expects to hear from Victorian Water Minister Harriet Shing. Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan has also been invited to attend.
Shepparton News assistant editor and Country News journalist
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