Kim O’Keeffe
State Member for Shepparton
Federal Water Minister Tanya Plibersek’s decision to issue tenders to buy out irrigation water entitlements from basin communities is nothing short of a disgrace.
Despite a promise not to prioritise irrigation areas, the Albanese Labor Government is targeting our irrigation district for water buybacks.
The livelihood of basin communities, particularly in northern Victoria, will suffer greatly, and our nation’s ability to grow its own food will be significantly affected.
The Goulburn Valley is the food bowl of Australia and one of the largest agricultural regions. The impact of this decision is far-reaching for the entire country.
Reducing the water available to farmers only drives the price of food up and takes away local jobs, hurting economic growth and passing costs on to consumers. Buybacks should never come at the cost of our communities’ vitality and prosperity.
Our communities have seen firsthand the devastation buybacks can have, especially in agriculture, horticulture and dairy.
How can the Federal Government justify taking away from such successful farming regions in the country, especially at a time when farmers are already feeling so vulnerable?
It continues to be more apparent that Labor can’t manage money, can’t be trusted to protect our water, and regional Victorians are paying the price.