A FREE full-day forum examining water policy and the progress of the Murray Darling Basin Plan will be held at Swan Hill next month.
Organisers say the timing is critical with brimming storages, a newly elected Federal Government and the issue of floodplain harvesting impacting the whole Basin.
Peta Thornton, who is organising the forum on behalf of a number of community groups with support from Swan Hill Rural City Council, said the “River Peoples’ Forum” would include an honest, locally-led conversation about water, rivers and the Basin Plan.
“If you have ever thrown your hands up in frustration. If the complicated policy talk means you can’t see the wood for the trees, then come along,” Ms Thornton said.
“Come along to hear whistle blowers, experts, and locals discuss management of the Murray Darling and what it could mean for communities along the river system,” she said.
“We are speaking up for the Murray-Darling — it is the lifeblood of the inland, indigenous homeland, food bowl of the nation.”
Ms Thornton said integrity in water management was needed to guarantee a healthy river system.
“Our future quality of life depends on it,” she said.
Spaces are limited at the “River Peoples’ Forum”, on Friday September 2, and registrations can be made via Try Booking.
