G-G up-beat about Murray-Darling future
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Governor-General Quentin Bryce says she is optimistic about the future of the Murray-Darling Basin.
Her Excellency toured the Menindee Lakes yesterday and earlier this week visited Bourke as part of a 10 day tour of the basin.
Ms Bryce says she has spoken to community members and water experts and feels reassured in their ability to work together.
"I have a great sense of optimism and confidence that our community with its experience and the skills that people have we'll go ahead and find solutions about caring for the river better," Ms Bryce said.
She says learning about the history of the Darling River from local people is helping her put its current state into perspective.
"They have an enormous confidence in the future because they have such an understanding of the past," she said.
"I was told in Bourke is that this part of ... Australia is in its fourth king drought since Federation, so putting things into perspective I think that's very significant."
The Governor-General's tour will move on to Mildura in Victoria today.
Ms Bryce says she wants to share the experiences and knowledge gained from the trip.
"The most important tool that we all have is our voice and to talk about what I've learnt that's one of the things I want to do and I want to encourage more Australians to come here to this part of Australia," she said.
