FARMERS RENEW CALL TO END BASIN BUYBACKS

The National Farmers’ Federation says a new Murray-Darling Basin Authority report confirms water buybacks have gone too far and should now come to an end.

The Authority’s "What We Heard" report summarises stakeholder feedback and will help shape the next stage of Basin Plan reform.

NFF Water Committee Chair Malcolm Holm says the findings reflect long-standing concerns from farmers and regional communities about the impacts of buybacks on local economies and agricultural production.

Mr Holm says producers have already contributed more than their fair share of water recovery and argues future discussions should focus on improving environmental outcomes with the water already secured.

He says priorities should include addressing invasive carp populations, improving fish passage infrastructure and investing in river health projects.

The Federation has welcomed the report’s acknowledgement that agriculture has been underrepresented in Basin discussions, while maintaining its position that no further water buybacks should occur under future reforms.