NEWLY appointed Federal Water Minister Keith Pitt visited Mildura on Wednesday, declaring his commitment to the Murray-Darling Basin Plan (MDBP) and promising the region “I get it”.
Accompanied by New South Wales Senator Perin Davey, Mr Pitt said meeting stakeholders and understanding the region’s water issues were top priorities.
“As the new Minister for Resources, Water and Northern Australia, I thought it was critical that the first visit was into the Murray-Darling,” he said.
“I am not a career politician, I have come from outside.
“I am an electrician by trade and an engineer by profession. I have had farms and irrigation, I get it.
“It’s easy to sit in an office and look at a map, it is easy to sit in an office and read a brief but on the ground first-hand experience is what really sets you up for good decisions.”
Mr Pitt took over the new portfolio from David Littleproud earlier this month after a leadership spill caused a shuffle of National Party ministries.
Senator Davey, who has been an advocate for Murray-Darling Basin issues in her own electorate, displayed full support for Mr Pitt on Wednesday.
“It is fantastic that the minister has recognised water as a key part of his portfolio and that the first thing he did was come to me and the other members and said, ‘What do I need to see to help me understand the system?’” she said.
“It really shows he is committed to his new role and he is outside the basin so he can’t be accused of having vested interests.”
Mr Pitt said he supported the current MDBP, despite backlash from irrigators and farmers in the Mallee.
“I am committed to the MDBP,” he said.
“I understand there are a number of challenges surrounding the MDBP but it is the plan that we have and we do need to look at what opportunities we can build into it to address some of the community’s concerns.
“This has been a long-term challenge and I think the key for us is to deliver on what the Commonwealth said they would deliver and the key for us is working with the states.”
As the member for the Queensland electorate of Hinkler, Mr Pitt said his decisions on the basin would be unbiased and fair.
“My job, as Senator Davey has said, is to make sure that I make balanced decisions that are within the national interest,” he said.
“I am not conflicted by the thoughts of my own constituents, they are not affected by those decisions and I think that is a real advantage in working with the key stakeholders.”
