Kendall Jennings, The Koondrook and Barham Bridge Newspaper

An information session for the Riverina State initiative was held at the Long Paddock Food Store, Koondrook on Monday evening, February 8.

Unfortunately, Liberal democrat and Member for Northern Victoria, Tim Quilty, was a late apology. David Landini made a presentation for a Riverina State’s need, the pathway to its formation and political representation at the State and Federal level. Under section 124 of the Australian Constitution, “a new State may be formed by separation of territory from a State, but only with the consent of the Parliament thereof, a new State may be formed by the union of two or more States or parts of States, but only with consent of the Parliaments of States affected.” …

A Riverina State would have authority over water, timber and all natural resources in its domain. The state would also ensure that natural resources were used in a manner most beneficial to the Riverina State people.

The gathering included local residents as well as visitors from Echuca. A lengthy discussion took place on possibilities of moving forward, with issues of concern the Murray Darling Basin Plan, the timber industry, dairy industry and agricultural industry. There was strong consensus that the Parliament does not fully address these areas and impacts from current legislation, and that an agreement made with the United Nations is not beneficial for Australian Rural Businesses.

Future meetings are being finalised. For further information visit the www.riverinastate.com.au website.

This article was published in The Koondrook and Barham Bridge Newspaper, 11 February 2021.