Water Buyback Plan Criticised by Dairy Farmers

Dairy farmers have strongly criticised the federal government’s announcement of renewed water buybacks in the Murray-Darling Basin, warning the move could damage production, threaten jobs, and limit consumer choice.

Federal Water Minister Murray Watt unveiled the plan at the Basin Leadership Summit in Adelaide on Wednesday. The announcement increases the volume of water available for purchase in the southern connected basin by 130 gigalitres, bringing the total buyback program to 300 gigalitres.

Australian Dairy Farmers president Ben Bennett described the move as “another attack” on local food production.

“We’ve just caught Woolworths using American butter in stores, and now the government is taking away more water from our dairy farmers,” he said.

“Consumers’ access to safe, locally produced food is being attacked from all fronts – from within our own country!”

Mr Bennett warned that previous industry analysis shows the impact could be severe.

“Taking more water would cut annual milk production by up to 270 million litres and could cost dairy processors up to $545 million each year,” he said.

He also noted that buybacks would push water prices up between 17 and 40 percent in dry years, placing additional strain on farms.

The Australian Dairy Farmers are calling for a full regulatory assessment before any further water buybacks proceed.

“No further buybacks should proceed without a comprehensive assessment of the damage this announcement will do to our dairy farmers, processors, and rural towns,” Mr Bennett said.