Joint Media Release
Decentralisation of MDBA delivering for Mildura
Minister for Regional Services, Sport, Local Government and Decentralisation, Senator Bridget McKenzie
Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, David Littleproud
12 March 2019
- MDBA opens new Mildura office with at least 20 jobs
- The move gives Mildura well-paid and ongoing jobs and economic activity
- It gives the MDBA a better understanding of challenges and emerging threats
Mildura will win from the decentralisation of the Murray-Darling Basin Authority (MDBA), with at least 20 jobs coming to the city.
Minister for Local Government and Decentralisation Senator Bridget McKenzie said the jobs and a new Mildura office would have a positive economic spin-off for the community.
“Decentralisation is continuing to deliver for regional Australia, injecting 76 more MDBA jobs closer to Basin communities which has wide benefits for the local economy and reinforces the Government’s strong connection with regional communities and the land,” Minister McKenzie said.
“Mildura is a vibrant regional capital with plenty to offer and is the perfect place to locate MDBA jobs in the southern part of the Murray-Darling Basin.
“I know Mildura will welcome the people and families who will make a key contribution to the community and water policy for the future.
“We know that the flow-on effects of relocating agencies will drive greater economic and social growth for our regional towns, both direct and indirect, and also brings government services closer to the people and industries they serve.
“Relocating jobs to the regions enables young people to have long-term career prospects in their local communities and enjoy the benefits of a country lifestyle.
“Today’s announcement builds on the more than 1200 jobs we’ve relocated out of Canberra and metropolitan Sydney and Melbourne to regional Australia since 2013.”
Minister for Agriculture David Littleproud said ABS research showed Government jobs were a huge economic driver, creating more jobs.
“The people who manage the river system should live on the river,” Minister Littleproud said.
“Country people deserve government jobs as much as city people do, and that’s why I fought so hard to make this decentralisation happen.
“In years to come people will highlight the MDBA as a great example of decentralisation.”
Fast Facts:
- 103 MDBA positions will be located in regions – around one third of its total staff.
- Currently there are 27 regional jobs with the MDBA, the decentralisation plan will see that grow by 76 additional jobs.
