BASIN LEADERS CALL FOR END TO WATER BUYBACKS

In the Murray–Darling Basin, the water drains into the Murray and Darling rivers, and then into the Southern Ocean. IMAGE: Murray Darling Basin Authority

By Jessica Dempster

Regional leaders in the Riverina and Murray districts are calling on the Federal Government to end further water buybacks, warning that reduced water availability is affecting jobs and economic confidence across Basin communities.

The Riverina and Murray Joint Organisation made the call during a recent meeting with Federal Environment and Water Minister Murray Watt in Leeton, as the Government considers future Murray-Darling Basin policy.

RAMJO chair Ruth McRae said the meeting provided an important opportunity for regional communities to explain the real-world impacts that water recovery policies continue to have on local economies, businesses and families.

"Our communities understand the importance of achieving strong environmental outcomes, but those outcomes cannot come at the expense of the people, industries and regional towns that depend on water for their future," she said.

She continued, saying that environmental outcomes must be balanced with the needs of communities and industries that depend on water.

"The message from local government, industry and community representatives was clear: the Commonwealth must cease further water buybacks and work directly with regional stakeholders to identify practical solutions that deliver environmental benefits while sustaining jobs, investment and economic growth."

Pictured left to right Mrs Jackie Kruger - Leeton Shire Council GM and RAMJO Water Subcommittee Chair, Mr Brett Stonestreet PSM - RAMJO Executive Officer, Cr Neville Kshenka OAM –Narrandera Shire Council Mayor, Cr Ruth McRae OAM, Murrumbidgee Council Mayor and RAMJO Chair, Minister Murray Watt, Cr George Weston – Leeton Shire Council Mayor and Cr Ashley Hall – Edward River Council Mayor. IMAGE: Supplied.

Edward River Council representative, Mayor Ashley Hall, said Basin communties are increasingly concerned about the cumulative economic and social impacts of ongoing water recovery - pointing to the recent loss of 68 jobs in Deniliquin.

"We are already seeing the consequences of reduced water availability across our region. In Deniliquin alone, the recent loss of 68 jobs is a stark reminder that water policy decisions have real impacts on workers, families, businesses and communities," she said.

"When jobs are lost in regional communities, the effects extend far beyond a single workplace. Local businesses lose customers, sporting clubs lose volunteers, schools lose enrolments and communities lose confidence in their future."

During the meeting, stakeholders highlighted the significant contribution irrigated agriculture, food processing and manufacturing make to the Riverina economy and stressed that water should be recognised as critical productivity infrastructure.

Participants also asked for greater focus on innovation, environmental works and improved management of existing environmental water holdings, rather than additional permanent water recovery.

RAMJO Water Subcommittee Chair, Jackie Kruger, said local communities possess valuable knowledge that can help shape better outcomes for both the environment and regional economies.

"Regional councils, irrigators and businesses are not seeking to avoid environmental responsibility. We want to be genuine partners in developing place-based solutions that support healthy river systems while maintaining vibrant and productive communities."

The organisation

said it will now continue advocating for a balanced, evidence-based and community-focused approach that protects both the environmental health of the Basin and the social and economic wellbeing of regional communities.