Debate resumed, on motion by Ms Hull:

That the House calls on the Rudd Government:

(1)

to deliver greater transparency and accountability as it moves towards the development of a Basin wide management plan by 2011 for the Murray Darling Basin; and

(2)

specifically to ensure that:

(a)

community impact statements are prepared as part of the Basin plan process and that these statements are prepared in consultation with affected communities and are made publicly available when completed;

(b)

scientific data (such as the CSIRO sustainability studies) are assessed along with these community impact statements in finalising Basin wide and catchment targets;

(c)

due recognition is given to the community and individual impacts of a new water management regime as well as the ongoing effects of the current drought; and

(d)

affected communities are provided with adequate resources to develop long term options and that Government assistance is provided to allow communities to deliver against these options.

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