Professor Nick Bond
School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment at La Trobe University
Contact:
M - 0438 287 300
E - n.bond@latrobe.edu.au
Professor Nick Bond is the Director of the Centre for Freshwater Ecosystems at La Trobe University's Albury-Wodonga campus.
"If the Bill is passed, this deal will be an important step in securing the long-term health of the Basin’s ecosystems, especially in ensuring that sufficient water will be available to protect ecosystems during future droughts," Professor Bond said.
"The deal also supports First Nations water access and despite delays, will help ensure the goals of the Plan can be delivered in the long-run."
Availability:
In Canberra, but mostly available.
Dr Tim Clune
La Trobe Business School
Contact:
P - 02 6024 9853
E - t.clune@latrobe.edu.au
Dr Tim Clune is a Senior Lecturer in Management at La Trobe University's Business School.
"The removal of the cap on water purchases (buybacks) strengthens the government’s capacity to negotiate with Basin water users in a meaningful manner," Dr Clune said.
"The lack of the capacity to utilise buybacks as a potential negotiating tool has meant that there has been little incentive for existing water reduction commitments to be fulfilled. To date it has largely been all carrot and no stick.
"So, while the removal of the cap on purchases does not mean that buybacks will be used extensively, it now means that they can be. That shifts the focus for future Basin outcome negotiations.
"It's important to note that enabling buybacks is one part of legislative reform to enable more equitable, more effective and more transparent utilisation of Murray Darling Basin waters in the delivery of economic, environmental and cultural outcomes for farmers, communities and First Nations people."
Availability:
Between 11am and 2pm, Tuesday to Friday.
Conflicts of interest:
Dr Clune is currently working on a project led by La Trobe and Griffith University, funded by the MDBA.
Contact details:
Journalists are welcome to contact the academics directly, or via:
Jess Whitty, Regional Media Adviser, 0481 383 817