Senator Watt will meet with Campaspe Shire Council, regional councils and agricultural peak bodies on Thursday, April 16 to hear first-hand about local priorities and concerns as part of ongoing discussions around national water policy and the Murray-Darling Basin Plan review.
The visit is welcomed as a valuable opportunity for the region to speak directly with a key decision‑maker on issues that affect farmers, manufacturers and communities across northern Victoria.
Campaspe Shire Mayor Daniel Mackrell said the senator’s presence underscored the importance of water to the economy and way of life.
“We all know how important water is to our local farmers, manufacturers and broader community, and these visits give us an opportunity to discuss our concerns and priorities face-to-face with the key decision-makers,” Cr Mackrell said.
The senator’s visit follows a briefing with the Murray-Darling Basin Authority, also held in Echuca, as council prepares its submission to the basin plan review.
Submissions for the review remain open until 5pm on May 1.
Local leaders said the discussions were timely, with many producers closely watching how future water policy would balance environmental outcomes with the needs of regional communities.
With the senator and the MDBA engaging directly in the region, councils are hopeful their collective voice will be clearly heard in Canberra.
