Media Release
Decentralisation of MDBA delivering for Murray Bridge
Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, David Littleproud
Minister for Regional
Services, Sport, Local Government and Decentralisation, Bridget McKenzie
Member for Barker,
Tony Pasin
South Australian
Minister for Environment and Water, David Speirs
13 March 2019
- MDBA to move 12 more permanent jobs to Murray Bridge office
- A total of 20 MDBA jobs in the south west region of South Australia
- Gives the MDBA a better understanding of local river management challenges
Murray Bridge is set to become a winner from the decentralisation of the Murray-Darling Basin Authority with an extra 12 regional positions coming to the city.
Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources David Littleproud said the expansion would make Murray Bridge a significant player in managing the Murray-Darling Basin.
“The people who manage the river system should live on the river,” Minister Littleproud said.
“Country people deserve government jobs as much as city people do, and that’s why I fought so hard to make this decentralisation happen.
“In years to come people will highlight the MDBA as a great example of decentralisation.
“Authority staff here will want to do the best for their community, their neighbours and their mates.
“They’ll know first-hand how important their work is because they’ll hear about it when they go to their local IGA, a Blues match or the Bridgeport Hotel.
“The Coalition is committed to delivering the Basin Plan in full and on time. Making sure the MDBA has the skills it needs is at the centre of our decentralisation plan.”
South Australian Minister for Environment and Water David Speirs said the decentralisation of the MDBA was another important part of the delivery of the Basin Plan.
“With more happening now than ever before to deliver the Basin Plan, it is vital that the MDBA are working closely with regional communities across the Basin,” Minister Speirs said.
“Local South Australians, including people from Murray Bridge have a deep understanding of how our precious water resources should be managed as well as how critical it is to see ongoing action in delivering vital water for our environment and communities.
“Today’s announcement is further proof that we now have states and the commonwealth working together and getting on with delivering the plan.”
Member for Barker Tony Pasin said the 12 jobs were in addition to nine people already working for the MDBA in Murray Bridge.
“South Australians need to be heard as we roll out the Basin Plan and this will see that happen,” Mr Pasin said.
“This is a big win for Murray Bridge and the south west region, giving locals more well-paid and ongoing jobs and boosting the local economy.
“Both the new MDBA staff and office will be spending more money in the community and boosting local business too.”
Fast Facts:
- 103 MDBA positions will be located in regions – around 1/3 of its total staff.
- Currently there are 27 regional jobs with the MDBA, the decentralisation plan will see that grown by 76 additional jobs and new offices established across the Murray Darling Basin System.
