FEDERAL INTERVENTION ON WATER IS WELCOME

THE Queensland Farmers’ Federation welcomes the Federal Government stepping in to alleviate the legitimate community and farmer concerns regarding proposed irrigation cuts in the Murray-Darling Basin.
This week Ministers Burke, Crean, and Ludwig announced that the new Parliamentary Committee for Regional Australia would conduct a six-month inquiry into the impact upon regional communities from the Proposed Basin Plan. Independent MP Tony Windsor will lead the inquiry.
“The inquiry by itself won’t be a pressure valve to relieve the very high level of angst toward the extreme cuts being proposed,” QFF CEO Dan Galligan said. “But irrigators and communities will embrace the opportunity to provide legitimate feedback to the government through structured channels.”
Mr Galligan said QFF would be looking for the inquiry to cover all implications of the draft Plan, including assisting communities to plan for a sustainable future.
“Communities and farmers will also welcome the Parliament getting involved so that we are not being drip-fed information. As we have seen over the last 10 days, the slow trickle of information about this plan has only added to our concerns,” he said.
“Irrigators and communities know we need a sustainable plan for water use in the Basin. We are not walking away from the concept and certainly do not want to see it fail. However, what we have seen so far is inadequate and unacceptable.
“We want to make sure the process is done right, fairly and with respect to the people who have built these communities into what they are today.
“To achieve this, the Inquiry must go further than investigating regional impacts. The inquiry must have real teeth to recommend changes to the Water Act 2007 to deliver a balanced Basin Plan,” Mr Galligan said. “The current version will not deliver a sustainable future for the environment and communities in the Basin.
“Our elected representatives, whichever side of politics, need to support a review of the Water Act.
“And for any people concerned in the community out there, it is worth your time voicing your concerns to your local Member of Parliament.
“Ultimately, the Parliament is the final arbiter on what the compromise will be. To make such a difficult decision it is vital that our MPs and Senators are fully informed of all the consequences, benefits and risks.”