The reported comment by new Chair of the Murray-Darling Basin Authority, Craig Knowles, that he has “washed his hands of the old Basin Plan”, further promotes the impression that Mr Knowles is single-handedly revising the mission of the Authority, according to Fair Water Use (Australia).
Following the resignation of Dr Diana Day, shortly after the appointment of Mr Knowles, the Murray-Darling Basin Authority currently comprises five members. Fair Water Use has contacted Mr Knowles to ascertain whether his reported comments reflect the stance of the Authority – or merely his personal position on the issue.
Fair Water Use believes that it is highly inappropriate for a senior public servant to summarily dismiss a major document which is currently the subject of a comprehensive Senate Inquiry.
National coordinator of Fair Water Use, Ian Douglas, commented today, “Sadly, it appears necessary to remind Mr Knowles that the principal aim of the Authority is “to manage the Basin’s water resources in the national interest”, and not to act as an advocate for any particular group of stakeholders”.
Authorised by:
Ginny Brown (Media Coordinator)
media@fairwateruse.com.au
+61 (0)8 8398 0812 /(0)4 1602 2178
