The Edward Kolety-Wakool Environmental Water Reference Group (Reference Group) was formed in early 2016 to ensure a local voice in the use of environmental flows in the Edward Kolety-Wakool River systems. The group is supported by the Commonwealth Environmental Water Office.
In 2021, the CEWO progressed a refresh of the membership of the Reference Group to ensure that representation remains current and can incorporate new and emerging community interests and voices.
Current members of the Reference Group include:
- Jeanette Crew, Yarkuwa Indigenous Knowledge Centre
- Roseanne Farrant, interested community member
- Roger Knight, Western Murray Land Improvement Group
- Ali Borrell, Murray-Darling Wetlands Working Group
- Jamie Hearn, Murray Local Land Services
- John Lolicato, Wakool Rivers Association
- Tracy Hamilton, Yarkuwa Indigenous Knowledge Centre
- Greg Lodge, Wakool Rivers Association
- Paul Childs, NSW Department of Planning and the Environment
- Robyn Watts, Charles Sturt University
- James Dyer, NSW Department of Planning and the Environment
- Stewart Taylor, Werai Land and Water Aboriginal Corporation
- Maggie McDonald, interested community member
- Michael Pisasale, Murray Irrigation Limited
- Dennis Gleeson, interested community member
How does the Edward Kolety-Wakool Environmental Water Reference Group work?
The Reference Group was established to help to develop and guide environmental watering in the Edward Kolety-Wakool region. For example, the Reference Group developed an approach to delivering environmental water into the local river systems in 2021, following natural high flows, building on lessons learned during the 2016 floods.
The Reference Group will continue to be consulted in the development of the annual water management plans for the Edward Kolety-Wakool providing a strong link between government and community.