Between 1949 and 1972, 16 major dams, 225 kilometres of tunnels, seven power stations and one pumping station were built as part of the Snowy Mountain scheme. The scheme's aim was to re-divert 2300GL from the Snowy River and many of its tributaries which flowed east (to Gippsland and the Sea).

Following the Second World War, the government of the day proposed that the Snowy River be rediverted to the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area for irrigation and agricultural purposes - with Victoria wanting a share for the Murray River.

By the 1990s the Snowy River rediversion added 2300GL of supplementary flows to the Murray and Murrumbidgee Rivers for irrigation. At the time the total water use of the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area was approximately 2400GL and the Murray River water use was 3200GL. An amount which was sustainably extracted for decades with the use of dams.

Since the Millennium Drought, and the introduction of the MBDA, 1033GL has been reclaimed from the Southern Basin for the purpose of "environmental flows".

These simple facts have me questioning why there is a need for the Snowy River rediversion if 1033GL are being flushed out to sea in South Australia. I believe the MDBA is misusing the infrastructure and water resources in the southern basin. The MDBA should follow the Snowy hydro plan established in the 1940s to support our irrigation communities.

But I want to know why the 1033GL of water which is being purchased for environmental flows in the Southern Basin is flowing to South Australia. If so focused on 'environmental flows,' shouldn't that water be put back down the Snowy River, where it came from? Not to the man-made lakes of the Coorong.

It was an honour to conduct the Anzac day dawn and memorial services in Wodonga, which were another huge success, with record attendance at both services.

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The weather was glorious and everyone entered into the spirit of the day. The RSL would like to thank all those who supported the day. In particular, Duryarne and Bob from Wodonga Council, the Australian Defence Force, who supply the soldiers, the Catafalque Party and guest speaker Colonel Matt Patching, the Wodonga Citizens Band, bugler Mr Ross Draper (who has been playing the Last Post for over 30 years without a wrong note), and all the Mums and Dads, boys and girls who turned up on the day.

To the schools that marched and the wreath-layers, in honour of those that made the ultimate sacrifice in war, we thank you. The Wodonga sub-branch of the RSL goes to great lengths to make this day as pleasurable as possible, and for the support of volunteers, and committee, who give of their time in preparation of the day, I say thank you.

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