The Chief Executive of the Murray-Darling Basin Authority, Phillip Glyde has hit back at opponents of the Basin plan, saying ditching the scheme would not solve Australia’s drought problem.
Mr Glyde’s comments followed a ‘Can the Plan’ protest in Canberra which saw around 1,000 people rally outside Parliament House.
“Everyone has the right to peacefully protest and to voice their opinion,” Mr Glyde said.
“It’s important that different viewpoints are part of improving water management in the Basin.”
He said communities across the Murray–Darling Basin were battling against one of the worst droughts on record which was taking its toll on the landscape, people’s businesses, mental health and morale.
“We’re seeing widespread dust storms and bushfires, towns are running out of water, and our native fish are under threat,” Mr Glyde said.
“Some First Nations are telling us they’re concerned about the quality of drinking water and the cultural wellbeing of their communities.”
He said “there is no-one” the drought hadn’t touched, but ditching the plan was not the solution.
“Pausing or ditching the Basin Plan wouldn’t turn the taps or pumps on – and it wouldn’t alleviate the pain being felt in these communities during drought,” he said.
Mr Glyde said remaining committed to restoring the health of the basin was the Authority’s focus.
“The Basin Plan is a once in a life-time opportunity to restore the health of this great river system for the long-term benefit of basin communities,” he said.
“We are only halfway but we know it’s working – there are early signs of healthier rivers.”
Mr Glyde said the Plan was not an easy one and wasn’t without challenges, however it remained the “best pathway” for securing the future of Australia’s water supplies.
“This reform is the first of its kind in the world – we are all learning as we go and the Plan is adaptive and flexible,” Mr Glyde said.
