Greater Shepparton City Council, Media Release, 7 September 2023
A water bill proposed by the Federal Government, which could see buybacks take 450GL of water from local irrigators, will have detrimental effects on the Greater Shepparton region and its horticulture industry.
Greater Shepparton City Council Mayor, Councillor Shane Sali, said the announcement would have a significant impact on regional communities. Known for being the food bowl of Australia, Cr Sali said Greater Shepparton would feel the brunt of the Water Amendment (Restoring Our Rivers) Bill 2023, which was introduced to Parliament yesterday and will see legislative changes made to the Murray-Darling Basin Plan.
“Our region is one of the largest producers of fruit and vegetables in Australia and our farmers rely on irrigation water to ensure they are growing quality produce, which is both consumed domestically and exported all over the world,” he said.
“Regional communities rely on water. Water is the backbone of this community and it drives our economy, on both a domestic and export level, and the flow on effect from this new legislation would be devastating.
“If the government was to take an additional 450GL from irrigators our local growers will be severely impacted. This legislation would impact people’s jobs and livelihoods, leaving rural communities decimated.”
If the legislation is passed, Cr Sali said the price of fruit and vegetables will rise which will hit the hip pockets of residents already doing it tough.
“We are currently in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis, with the price of everyday amenities continuing to rise. These changes will add to this pressure already felt by regional communities. People are already struggling,” he said.
“What happens when people cannot afford the food in their supermarket trolley each week? Will they be forced to take out the fruit and vegetables in their trolley and risk the impact this may have on their health and wellbeing?
“Fresh fruit and vegetables have an important role to play in our health and if increased prices make these commodities unaffordable, both young and old will be affected.”
Cr Sali said the region would continue to fight for a better outcome and ensure our community is protected from further social and economic harm – protection from job losses and economic uncertainty.
“Local food manufacturing must be protected, less water means less food produced, leading to higher costs,” he said.
“Our community deserves better and our nation expects premium fruit and vegetables to continue to be grown in this region.”
