CONCERNED locals feel they have been left with more questions than answers about the environmental flooding of the Gunbower Forest.
Last month’s public forum in Cohuna, called by the Central Murray Environmental Floodplains Group, expressed disappointment that the North Central Catchment Management Authority, the Victorian Environmental Water Holder and the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action did not attend to hear community concerns about the flooding of the Gunbower Forest.
The NCCMA and VEWH had previously agreed to a private meeting with the group to discuss the flooding.
Last month the Hipwell Road regulator was opened into the forest, with 74 gigalitres of water to be delivered by November.
CMEFG chair Geoff Kendell told the Gannawarra Times that the government departments decided to “pull out”, leaving the meeting “utterly disappointed”.
“It’s really super disappointing,” he said.
Mr Kendell said a motion put to the forum demanded NCCMA and VEWH end the flooding of the Gunbower Forest until community consultation at a public meeting.
NCCMA acting chief executive Rachel Murphy told the Gannawarra Times all the agencies who managed the Gunbower Forest had a “proud history of working with community members”, and in particular those who had a genuine interest in improving the health of the Gunbower Forest.
“Each year the CMA is responsible for proposing watering actions to the Victorian Environmental Water Holder. The thorough proposal considers everything from the significant ecological benefits of the flow to the management of any potential risks.
“The views of the community are also considered as part of the proposal, as well as through regular meetings of the community Enhancing Northern Waterways Advisory Group.
“We also have a regular public presence in northern Victoria, where community members are encouraged to speak with CMA staff about all our programs and projects in the area, and our social media and website also provide ways for community members to connect us directly.”
But Mr Kendell said the NCCMA had not heard what community members had to say, and said the next step would be to get government ministers involved.
“If we have got to go to the premier, we have got to go to the premier,” he said.
“Obviously we are not getting any sense from the government departments at the present time, or an appetite to actually sit down with the community and actually talk to them.
“They are just hell-bent on doing what they want to do. As they always do, they have taken no notice of what has been raised – they come, they consult, they listen, but they don’t hear, and nothing actually changes.”
