Budget boost for Independent Basin panel

The Independent Panel assessing social and economic conditions in the Murray Darling Basin will be fully funded so it can do its job.

Minister for Water Resources said the $3.2 million investment would ensure the Panel could consult widely and independently.

“It will mean the Panel can make up its own mind about what research it needs,” Minister Littleproud said.

“The Panel will have the resources required to get a lens on the Basin and get on with its job.

“This will also keep the Panel’s work at arm's-length of Government.

“As a first step the Panel will hold a series of public meetings and run an online survey so people living in the Basin can have their say.

“The terms of reference cover positive and negative impacts of water reform and drivers of change.

“This Panel’s work will look at how communities are changing and their future.

“It will also come up with strategies to support communities to adapting to change.”