Yesterday the Murray Darling Basin Authority held a public meeting at the Eastbank Centre in Shepparton on the Draft Murray Darling Plan. The plan was released on November 28^th for a twenty week consultation period and this was the first opportunity for northern Victorian Fruit growers to comment.

Environment Minister, Tony Bourke, and MDBA Chairman, Craig Knowles spoke first and then several local speakers provide their points of view before the meeting was open to general comment. Fruit Growers Victoria Ltd chairman (Andrew Plunkett) spoke on behalf of the horticulture industry and his speech is available for download. Richard Anderson who chairs the VFF Water Policy Council also spoke as did Terry Court from the GV Environment Group and Jeff Odgers from the Australian Dairy Industry Council

The major concern from irrigators was uncertainty and the lack of detail.

Craig Knowles stressed that it is a draft plan and it can be subject to change depending on what is discovered over the next eighteen weeks of consultation

Minister Bourke said that ultimately the final plan must satisfy the political process. It must pass through ministerial council before it goes to him and them on to parliament for approval.

All cherry growers are encouraged to provide comment to the VCA which will be making a formal submission. Growers are also encouraged to make private submissions.