Minister for Resources and Water Keith Pitt has announced an important initiative will be expanded to ensure better Government engagement with communities on the management of the Murray-Darling Basin.
Minister Pitt today said additional support for Regional Engagement Officers (REO) across the Basin will provide a stronger voice to Basin communities.
“The Department of Agriculture, Water and Environment will almost double the capacity of existing officers working on the ground in the very heart of our Basin communities,” Minister Pitt said.
“We heard loud and clear that Basin communities wanted better engagement and greater opportunities to have their concerns and ideas heard.
“The Murray-Darling Communities Investment Package had building trust, transparency and accountability in government as one of its 3 key themes. This is a tangible step towards achieving that and should be welcome news to the 2.6 million Australians who are living and working in the Murray-Darling Basin.
“These engagement officers will establish stronger lines of communication between community and government.
“Individual REO’s have demonstrated excellent knowledge of their local community, have developed strong networks with government and non-government organisations and are equipped to provide on-ground local support.”
Between the MDBA and the department the REOs are contracted for two years for four days a week.
REOS are currently based in:
- Namoi/Gwydir
- Lachlan/Macquarie/Castlereagh
- Menindee/Lower Darling
Two new engagement officers will be recruited in:
- Lower Balonne
- Barwon-Darling
