The Murray-Darling Basin Inspector-General will set up its Northern Basin office in Goondiwindi.
Minister for Water Resources David Littleproud said the Inspector-General of Murray-Darling Basin Water Resources would also have an office in the Southern Basin.
"The people policing the river should live on the river," Minister Littleproud said.
"The Inspector-General's staff will get a real understanding of why we need to uphold the rules.
"They'll share the same schools, clubs and social circles as people who depend on the river to make a living.
"This makes the Inspector-General accessible to communities and will boost confidence in the Plan.
"With another office in Mildura the Inspector-General can engage directly with Basin communities about Basin Plan implementation and compliance.
"Goondiwindi is on the Macintyre River in Queensland with easy access to Northern NSW.
"This is a major junction in the Northern Basin where the Inspector-General will be able to engage widely.
"All Australians need to have confidence the Basin Plan is working as it should and everyone is following the rules."
Fast Facts:
- The Inspector-General of Murray-Darling Basin Water Resources gives independent assurance over Basin Plan implementation.
- The Office will work with Basin states to establish processes for the receipt and assessment of allegations of non-compliance.
- The Inspector-General will refer allegations of non-compliance to appropriate authorities.
- Basin state and territory governments have primary responsibility for enforcing compliance.
