Additional support for Regional Engagement Officers (REOs) across the Murray-Darling Basin will provide a stronger voice to Basin communities according to Member for Maranoa David Littleproud.
“The Department of Agriculture, Water and Environment will almost double the capacity of existing officers working on the ground in the heart of Basin communities,” he said.
“We heard loud and clear that they wanted better engagement and greater opportunities to have their concerns and ideas heard.”
Mr Littleproud highlighted that the Murray–Darling Communities Investment Package had building trust, transparency and accountability in government as one of its three key themes.
“A key role of engagement officers will be to establish stronger lines of communication between community and government,” he said.
“I see this as a tangible step towards achieving that and it should be welcome news to the 2.6 million Australians who are living and working in the Murray–Darling Basin.
“Individual REOs have 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 and Menindee/Lower Darling, with two new officers being recruited for Lower Balonne and Barwon-Darling.
For further information on the REO program, visit: Regional engagement | Murray-Darling Basin Authority (mdba.gov.au)
For further information on the Communities Investment Package, visit: Murray–Darling Communities Investment Package – DAWE
