mmg.com.au

Murray Darling Basin Authority representatives will be in Deniliquin on Monday to meet the Ricegrowers’ Association (RGA) and Murray Group of Concerned Communities.

Senior MDBA staff will make the presentation on the draft Murray Darling Basin Plan at the RGA’s half-yearly branch meeting, according to Murray Group of Concerned Communities chair Bruce Simpson.

‘‘We will be meeting some of their team on Monday night for dinner to have further discussion about further consultation,’’ he said.

Mr Simpson has been pushing for the Authority to return to Deniliquin to discuss the technical details of the controversial plan.

He said Monday night’s dinner would not be actual consultation, but will discuss when the consultation can take place.

‘‘I’m happy that they continue to engage with our communities, but I think it’s fair to say that’s a given,’’ Mr Simpson said.

‘‘They will be seen to be consulting. The important thing is that we get the message across.’’

The Murray Darling Basin Authority has also released details on its first public consultation meetings after the Christmas break.

Public meetings will be held at Mildura, Goondiwindi and Swan Hill on February 10, 14 and 22 respectively.

Another public meeting is planned for Renmark in February, however details are still being finalised.

The MDBA will also hold smaller round table discussions in each of those towns, as well as in Hay, Albury and Narrabri, however details have not been released.

These are the first public meetings held since the public meeting in Deniliquin on December 16.

The Authority was criticised by Shadow Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Water Senator Barnaby Joyce last week for not releasing the meeting dates.

Public submissions on the draft plan will be accepted until April 16.

For more information visit www.mdba.gov.au.