Victoria signs on to $10bn federal takeover of the River Murray

Victoria signs on to $10bn federal takeover of the River Murray: "The deal was brokered in a series of intense negotiations last night and at today's Council of Australian Governments meeting in Adelaide."

It's about trust. The one thing I have liked about Mr. Rann is that he could play John Howard at his own game and that was good for us. Steve Brumby was put into a corner and it was unfortunate. Mr. Rudd appears to have been able to talk his way through all of this to everyone's satisfaction and it is about removing the fear factor and providing a safe direction for us all. The openness helps us work together and takes away targets. In this way we focus on the problem...and that is our poor River Murray. It needs everyone onside as it is a hugely long river which feeds so many of us. We do need an independent body to look after the Murray and a body which can work with the states to solve the water problems...and it cannot be too soon. Now , at least, we can hopefully get some health and strength back into our river and our nation. Team effort and it's great.