Mokoan Meeting Progress

Broken Valley Irrigators are cautiously optimistic that the Government departments are starting to recognise the merit of their proposal for a mini Lake Mokoan in lieu of full decommissioning of the lake.

A deputation of irrigators led by Wayne Spinks met with senior DSE, GMW and water consultants on Friday, 11 May.

Mr Spinks was satisfied with the outcome of the 2½ hr meeting which resulted in another meeting in 2 weeks to further clarify issues arising from discussions.

Nationals MP for Benalla, Bill Sykes, shared the irrigator’s cautious optimism. Dr Sykes said, “Given the unsavoury actions on the part of the Government leading up to the meeting, I held grave concerns about their commitment to consider the irrigator’s proposal.

“However, it is clear that there is acceptance by Government departments of most of the key aspects of the proposal, most importantly the fact that the water savings delivered by the irrigator’s proposal are very close to the water savings that would be achieved by the full decommissioning of the lake.

“Given that the irrigator’s proposal costs about $20m less, provides greater security of supply and has strong community support, common sense dictates that it appears to be a much better option than full decommissioning.”

Dr Sykes congratulated irrigators Wayne Spinks, Ray Henderson, Peter Ryan, David Rush and Mike Reid on their untiring efforts on behalf of the families and communities of the Broken Valley.

“These men have made an enormous personal and financial contribution to this project proposal. They and others working on other aspects of the fight for justice for the Broken Valley must continue to be given our full support.”

Dr Sykes also warmly thanked Dick Thompson, Chairman of Murrumbidgee Irrigation Ltd and Engineer, Mr Manics. “The contribution to the project by Mr Thompson and Mr Manics far exceeds their contracted responsibilities – they are putting in extra because they believe in the project based on their recently completed, National environmental award winning project at Barren Box Swamp.”

Dr Sykes concluded, “Given the history of the Mokoan project, I will continue to keep in close contact with proceedings to ensure that the process is not derailed by individuals with a vested interest in protecting their original proposal which was clearly based on flawed and incomplete information.

“Part of my involvement includes meeting with the Minister for Water’s office next week to seek an assurance that the Minister will personally listen to a final presentation of the proposal by irrigators in conjunction with DSE staff.