Liticia Ross (left) and Keisha Egan greeted Senator David Pocock at Deniliquin Airport.
Agriculture, environment and community working hand-in-hand.
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That is what was highlighted at the weekend during what has been described as one of the most significant meetings in our region for some time.
The star player of the large delegation of water and environment stakeholders was Independent ACT Senator David Pocock.
He and the other delegates were welcomed to Deniliquin and distrct on Saturday as part of a weekend information and education tour of the southern Riverina.
The event, which was hosted by Murray Irrigation in collaboration with local community members and organisations, focused on showcasing local examples of agriculture and environment co-existing and thriving together.
The weekend’s delegation also included Federal Senator Perin Davey, an advisor from Minister for the Environment and Water Tanya Plibersek’s office, the Deputy Inspector-General of Water Compliance, the Commonwealth Environmental Water Office, the Murray-Darling Basin Authority, Watertrust Australia, One Basis CRC, SunRice Group, Ricegrowers’ Association of Australia, Murrumbidgee Irrigation, Coleambally Irrigation Co-Operative, National Irrigators’ Council, Yarkuwa Indigenous Knowledge Centre, NSW Environment and Heritage, Cummeragunja Local Aboriginal Land Council, Bangerang Aboriginal Corporation, Werai Land and Water Aboriginal Corporation, local advocacy groups and the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.
Upon Senator Pocock’s arrival at Deniliquin airport, the weekend agenda commenced with a Welcome to Country and traditional smoking ceremony performed by Yarkuwa Indigenous Knowledge Centre’s Liticia Ross.
Over the course of the weekend, Senator Pocock viewed the Deniliquin SunRice mill, visited local farming properties, participated in a demonstration of the Mascotte Escape delivering environmental water, was educated on the cultural and environmental importance of Reed Beds Bird Hide, discussed the river operations challenges of the Barmah Choke and learned about water management infrastructure at Gulpa Creek offtake.
At Saturday's breakfast meeting were (back, from left) Andrew Reynolds, Steve Fawns, Andrew McConville, Simon Banks, Senator David Pocock, Geoff Moar, Phil Snowden, Malcolm Holm and Michael Wrathall; (front) Matthew Dadswell, Noel Baxter, Amanda Barlow, Louise Burge, Meagan Marshall and Senator Perin Davey.
Given Senator Pocock’s roots as a professional rugby player, the delegation also enjoyed a game of touch football hosted by the Deniliquin Drovers Rugby Union Club.
They also enjoyed the hospitality of local cafes and restaurants.
Murray Irrigation CEO Ron McCalman hailed the weekend a huge success, thanking local organisations, community groups and government representatives for their involvement and support.
“Murray Irrigation is fortunate to have strong relationships with local First Nations organisations such as Yarkuwa Indigenous Knowledge Centre, along with fellow irrigation companies, agricultural organisations such as SunRice, local landholder associations, and representatives from all three levels of government, who helped to make this weekend possible,” Mr McCalman said.
“Having agriculture and environment work together is a common goal for our region, and we are pleased that Senator Pocock has been able to see in action some of the local modernisation and innovation that is helping achieve this.
“With its rich history of irrigation, the Southern Riverina has the right infrastructure in place to lead the way in agricultural and environmental water delivery that operates as one.”
The Damanu Bangerang Dance Group performing at the Mathoura Reed Beds Bird Hide.
Murray Irrigation is seeking to achieve just that under its Murray Reconnected Floodplains Project.
Once complete, this initiative will be Australia’s largest targeted environmental watering project, utilising the company’s vast water delivery network to connect thousands of kilometres of riparian systems and wetlands throughout the Murray floodplain landscape, targeting at-risk ecosystems.
“On behalf of Murray Irrigation, I thank Senator Pocock for taking the time to learn more about our region and the important role it has to play in Australian primary production,” Mr McCalman said.
“We are pleased to have been given the chance to highlight to him the work being undertaken within our local community to provide sustainable environmental watering solutions.”
Senator David Pocock reconnected with his rugby roots during a friendly hosted by the Deniliquin Drovers Rugby Union Club.
Attending a meeting at Picnic Point were (back, from left) Prof Mike Stewardson, Phil Snowden, Andrew Reynolds, Brett Jones, Annabelle Plunkett, Senator Perin Davey, Clifford Ashby, Michael Pisasale jnr, Matthew Dadswell, David Crew, Aunty Jeannette Crew OAM, Dr Nick Austin, Stewart Taylor and Gabrielle Cusack; (front) Neil Bull, Finoa Scott, Dr Simon Banks, Andrew McConville, Michael Wrathall, Ron McCalman, Ben Malden and Senator David Pocock.
Liticia Ross speaks one-on-one with Senator David Pocock.
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