There is a sense of positivity when it comes to the ongoing management of the Murray Darling Basin.
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While there is still a lot that needs to be changed when it comes to the management of water a basin conference this week has given irrigators and stakeholders a sense of confidence going forward.
Politicians, farmers, business owners and Indigenous leaders converged on Tuileries at Rutherglen this week for the two-day conference which focused on the history and management of the Murray Darling Basin.
For Southern Riverina Irrigators chief executive Sophie Baldwin, the conference highlighted two things.
"It was really heartening to listen to academics who agree with where we stand," she told The Border Mail.
"It does give you a bit of confidence that things are starting to be heard - I mean we have been calling for change for years and now people in different areas of water are starting to listen.
"And the conference also highlighted that there are so many different groups and stakeholders involved in the decisions the government make - they need to listen to the people who understand and respect the river systems."
The conference aimed to generate national discussion about a holistic approach to the future management of the Murray Darling Basin.
Speaking during a panel discussion, Ms Baldwin told the story of Barkandji woman Muriel Riley who lives on the Baaka River.
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"As a child of the stolen generation, Muriel was ripped away from her family and her beloved Baaka River when she was just five years old," Ms Baldwin said.
"And now 63 years later, the river is being ripped away from Muriel. The Baaka River is in crisis and so too are the Barkandji.
"The Barkandji belong to the river - it is in their name, it is their culture, their heritage and their life.
"But water has stopped flowing down the river as the insatiable greed from floodplain harvesting in the northern basin has sucked the river dry."
Ms Baldwin said stories about the impact of the basin plan really stood out and highlighted change needs to happen before it is too late.
The Southern Connected Basin Communities group are planning on releasing a statement following the conference next week.