Listening to the sentiment and concerns of Basin communities

Murray Darling Basin farmers will be able to share their sentiment and concerns around issues directly affecting them with the Inspector-General of Water Compliance staff at the Henty Machinery Field Days.

Water compliance in the Murray-Darling Basin has significantly improved with 80 percent of NSW water resource plans (WRPs) now submitted, and the Inspector-General of Water Compliance’s (IGWC) continues to hold governments and water operators accountable to the rules for water use.

Calling out overdue WRPs was among the first actions by the Inspector-General of Water Compliance, the Honourable Troy Grant, in his speech at River Reflections 2022 in Mildura. 

Since then, 16 of 20 NSW WRPs are accredited and operational with the four outstanding closely monitored.  

“The more light we shine on areas of integrity or improvement, the more work comes our way,” Mr Grant said. 

“My office is maturing quickly to help improve trust and confidence in water management across the Basin.”

Having an independent federal body overseeing water rules and regulations was identified as important by 71 percent of Basin community members, according to a report recently commissioned by the IGWC and undertaken by ORIMA Research.

This value was reinforced by an additional $28.6 million investment over four years in the 2024–25 Federal Budget. The IGWC received funding to further strengthen its independence and engagement, and inquiry powers and function.

“This is a boost for compliance, oversight and integrity across the Basin but also a message to Basin communities that their sentiment and concerns around issues that directly affect them are being listened to and responded to,” Mr Grant said.

“It's a significant measure that helps with our goal to build confidence and integrity in the Basin Plan.”

The IGWC has a network of subject specialists in the water space, and field officers who engage with communities across the Basin, which produces one third of Australia’s food supply. 

“It’s important my team are embedded in Basin communities and genuinely understand local issues and complex water topics. You can chat all things water over a cuppa with them at Henty Field Days site 566, right across from Henty Field Days headquarters.” 

To learn more about the IGWC and review its reports, visit igwc.gov.au or connect with your nearest field officer on 13 IGWC (13 44 92).