John Lolicato, Shelley Scoullar and Pat Byrne at the launch of the book in Albury.
There may have been a lot published about the Murray-Darling Basin Plan over the years, but not much from the perspective of the communities that have been so heavily impacted.
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That is until now.
Caught in the Current is a new book that takes a look at the politics behind the plan and the dire impact it has had on rural communities.
A public launch of the book will be held at Club Barham on Wednesday, May 20 from 7pm.
The book is written by Pat Byrne in conjunction with a small group of community representatives spanning three states, including Ken Jury (Goolwa SA), Kevin Cock Sunraysia Citrus), Jan Beer (Upper Goulburn) and John Lolicato (Barham).
The book is dedicated to Barham local and sensible water advocate Neil Eagle, who sadly passed away before he got a chance to see the book completed.
As a citrus and beef producer, Mr Eagle had been involved in agriculture and water issues for over 60 years and was chairman of the Murray-Lower Darling River Management board for 11 years, among many other roles.
Mr Eagle was working alongside Peter Millington, who was a commissioner for the Murray Darling Basin Commission from 1987-1996.
Mr Millington said the book was compelling reading and stressed that the more information given to community and stakeholders, the greater the likelihood of sensible and acceptable solutions.
The book documents the history of water reform in the basin, impacts of poor policy and offers up sensible solutions to change the current trajectory.
Mr Lolicato said the book was a long time in the making.
The new book, ‘Caught in the Current’.
“It is a great document outlining what led up to the Basin Plan and the impacts of it on our communities since its inception in 2012.
“We are having the launch to let the public know we have published this great resource and we urge you all to come along.”
Mr Lolicato said it was important all Australians understand how Murray River management used to work according to world’s best practice.
“If communities hope to influence change in Murray water management, they need to know ‘the whole story’ and what needs to be done.”
In addition, this book provides a list of resources relating to history, world’s best-practice methods for integrated river and catchment management, critiques of and debates over the Basin Plan and the Water Act 2007.
The book will be available for purchase on the night and at newsagencies in Kerang, Cohuna, Barham, Moulamein and Deniliquin.
The book was published with funding from Riverina Sustainable LWMP and Sunraysia Citrus, and other community groups. A launch will also be held in Mildura.
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