Mayor Julia Cornwell McKean said the report’s recognition of the impact river heights had on the region's tourism industry was a positive development.
“It is the first time and a very welcome development that the effect river heights have on our local tourism industry has been explicitly referenced,” she said.
“It shows that the collective voice of our tourism industry, regional tourism bodies and the broader community has been heard, but the question is, have they been listened to?
“We further acknowledge the many other issues raised by other submitters in the report, but what is missing is how the basin authority will now consider, address and action the legitimate concerns raised in nearly 2500 submissions.”
Councillor Renee Brooker attended a breakfast briefing from MDBA chief executive Andrew McConville at the Australian Local Government Association National General Assembly.
Ms Brooker said communities wanted to see outcomes rather than further consultation.
“The messages in the What We Heard report were strongly repeated to the MDBA chief executive officer, and it could not be clearer that local communities want action, not just reports telling what we already know,” Ms Brooker said.
"It is imperative that the basin authority outline their process to address the key themes identified in the report while simultaneously pausing any further buybacks while the review continues.
“The onus is now on the authority to show that they haven’t just heard what was in the submissions, but they have a genuine plan to work with local community and affected stakeholders to develop meaningful, responsive and long-term solutions.”
