Not so much an event as a call to arms. The Productivity Commission Draft Report released on 5 Aug 2013 omitted to consult with affected landholders or those potentially at risk from the adverse impacts of major projects. This has been pointed out to them and they have agreed to accept inputs from such stakeholders.

Among their Report's Draft recommendations P34, 7.2 quote 'The Australian Government should undertake and publish a regulatory impact assessment of the 'water trigger' amendment to the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, including the exclusion of water trigger-related actions from bilateral approval arrangements'

It is now up to even the most disillusioned and cynical stakeholders to realise  that non participation gives the PC grounds to conclude that there are only limited concerns within affected communities.

Terms of Reference, issues paper and Draft Report are available from the PC website for the Major Projects Study. 

Website is www.pc.gov.au/study/major-projects. Affected or potentially affected parties are encouraged to lodge a submission no matter how brief.  Submissions close on 13 September 2013.