New Plan for the Shepparton Irrigation Region

The crowd of more than 80 people heard from speakers who were involved with the plan from its inception and others those who were focused on the region’s future.

Kelvin Bruce, who is the chair of the Shepparton Irrigation Region People and Planning Integration Committee, which oversees the plan, said it was crucial to take a long-lens approach to planning for the future.

“In the beginning, I thought it was a bit ambitious to be planning for the next 30 years but now I realise it’s essential that we do,” Mr Bruce said.

“How else can we be nimble enough to deal with challenges as they arise and take advantage of opportunities when they are presented?

“From my days of running a business, I knew we needed a short-term plan as well as one that stretched well into the future. It meant we were resilient to change and ready to capitalise when opportunities arose.”

The plan was officially opened with a smoking ceremony by Yorta Yorta representative Neil Morris who spoke in language and later said the plan aligned Traditional Owner ideals.

“We have always believed in protecting the natural environment of the land and worked towards its sustainability.”

Guest speaker and former Goulburn Murray Water managing director Denis Flett said the renewed plan exuded great optimism.

“That optimism epitomises the Shepparton Irrigation Region. It’s what sets us apart and I hope we never lose sight of that,” Mr Flett said.

“Simple as that. Optimistic people get things done better than pessimistic people.”

Mr Flett said the CMA deserved praise for shifting the planning focus from salinity control to integrated catchment management and to adopting a resilience approach.

“The resilience approach gives the region the best chance of being prepared for the threats, shocks, opportunities and strife which loom ahead,” he said.

“The holy grail is to build regional capacity so the region can respond to change with either persistence and adaptation, while preparing for transformation to suit the circumstances which emerge.”

Goulburn Broken CMA interim CEO Carl Walters said it was great to see so many familiar faces in the room and faces of those who’d been instrumental to the plan over the last 30 plus years.

“It’s great to reflect on all we’ve achieved but now it’s time to look forward and pave the way for prosperous future for the SIR.” Mr Walters said.

Mr Walters said the plan was the result of extensive consultation with stakeholders from across the region.

“We listened carefully to the concerns and ideas from farmers, environmentalists and community members and we’ve incorporated that communication into the renewed plan.”