Basin Buybacks Face Strong Farming Opposition

The National Farmers’ Federation has reiterated its strong opposition to further water buybacks under the Murray-Darling Basin Plan, following confirmation around 380 gigalitres has now been secured toward the 450 gigalitre recovery target.

NFF Water Committee Chair Malcolm Holm says the recovery target was always a policy choice, not an environmental requirement, and argues it has now been effectively met in full when combined with existing recovery.

He says total water recovery now sits at around 98 per cent of the Basin Plan target, describing further buybacks as unnecessary and damaging to regional communities.

Mr Holm says while farmers support healthy river systems, continued water acquisition is delivering diminishing environmental returns and placing ongoing pressure on food production.

He says investment should instead focus on practical measures such as improved infrastructure, fish passage and carp control, rather than removing more water from agriculture.

The NFF is calling on the Federal Government to rule out any further buybacks and provide clarity on how remaining Basin Plan gaps will be addressed.