Proposed changes to the legislation surrounding the Murray-Darling Basin Plan have drawn sweeping criticism.
Federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek introduced a bill on September 6 which would push out the deadlines for completing the plan and open the way for the Federal Government to buy back water from irrigators.
Federal Member for Nicholls Sam Birrell said he would be strongly opposing the bill.
“This bill confirms our worst fears, Labor is committed to completing the Murray-Darling Basin Plan, including securing an additional 450 gigalitres and is prepared to use expensive and destructive water buybacks to do it,” Mr Birrell said.
“The legislation was introduced without an exposure draft, and briefings were only provided to irrigator and farming groups and Shadow Water Minister Senator Perin Davey at the last minute, yet the minister boldly claimed lengthy consultation.
“Every remaining barrier put in place by the Coalition to protect regional communities, productive agriculture and value-adding food processing will be removed by this legislation.
“What it proves is that the Albanese Government only cares about the water recovery number, not the harm it will cause achieving it.
“Minister Plibersek told parliament that the environment and farmers are equal, and one isn’t prioritised over the other, but her legislation does nothing to protect productive agriculture and the industry and communities that rely on it.
“This blows up the Murray-Darling Basin Plan and it will inflict untold harm on communities and push up the cost of healthy food for all Australians.”
The Murray-Darling Basin Plan has already achieved 2100Gl of water for the environment.
City of Greater Shepparton Mayor Shane Sali shared his concern about the potentially detrimental impact to the region — widely considered the food bowl of Australia.
“Our region is one of the largest producers of fruit and vegetables in Australia and our farmers rely on irrigation water to ensure they are growing quality produce, which is both consumed domestically and exported all over the world,” Cr Sali said.
“Regional communities rely on water. Water is the backbone of this community and it drives our economy, on both a domestic and export level, and the flow-on effect from this new legislation would be devastating.
“If the government was to take an additional 450Gl from irrigators our local growers will be severely impacted. This legislation would impact people’s jobs and livelihoods, leaving rural communities decimated.”
If the legislation is passed, Cr Sali said the price of fruit and vegetables would rise, which would hit the hip pockets of residents already doing it tough.
“We are currently in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis, with the price of everyday amenities continuing to rise. These changes will add to this pressure already felt by regional communities. People are already struggling,” he said.
“What happens when people cannot afford the food in their supermarket trolley each week? Will they be forced to take out the fruit and vegetables in their trolley and risk the impact this may have on their health and wellbeing?
“Fresh fruit and vegetables have an important role to play in our health and if increased prices make these commodities unaffordable, both young and old will be affected.”
Some farmers and rural residents are planning to march on Ms Plibersek’s Sydney office in protest next week.
• For more reaction to the legislation, turn to page 14 or pick up a copy of Tuesday’s Country News.