Waiting on report

Cautious optimism has greeted the news that an independent body will conduct detailed analysis of more than 30 communities as it works to compile a detailed report into the socio-economic effects of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan in the southern basin.

The report, which was agreed to by basin state government ministers at the Murray-Darling Basin Ministerial Council in Mildura two weeks ago, will examine the impact of the entire plan, including the extra 450 Gl of up-water, which will only be delivered if neutral or positive socioeconomic outcomes will result.

Key water figures are pleased the report has been commissioned, but will ‘‘wait and see’’ what the outcome is when the report is completed in December.

Victorian Water Minister Lisa Neville said her priority was to deliver a basin plan that delivered the environmental outcomes that the government signed up to, not just achieved water recovery targets.

‘‘Given the level of community concern about further water recovery, we need to be making evidence-based decisions to ensure that we are delivering on the triple bottom line outcomes,’’ Ms Neville said.

VFF water spokesperson Richard Anderson said it remained to be seen what would come of the final report.

‘‘There’s been a lot of work done (already), whether the authority uses some of that data (from the report) or commission their own, just depends,’’ Mr Anderson said.

‘‘This stuff has got to be done properly . . . I’d sooner it was delayed and done properly than it was rushed and we get a bad outcome.

‘‘You can talk the talk but you’ve got to make it happen when it’s all said and done.

‘‘We’ll watch with a fair bit of interest.’’

Murray Group of Councils chairman and Campaspe Shire Mayor Adrian Weston said ultimately the final resolution needed to consider a number of factors.

‘‘We hope that a balanced outcome is arrived at that includes a balance between socio-economic, environmental and cultural outcomes,’’ Cr Weston said.

‘‘Towards the end of the year (once the report is released) we’ll see where we are.’’

Despite the optimism from some parties, Goulburn Valley Environment Group president John Pettigrew said the report was a case of delaying action.

‘‘We’re disappointed that what’s happening is it’s just putting off action, just pushing back decisions,’’ Mr Pettigrew said.

‘‘We’d like to see the basin plan up and implemented.’’