Hugh Schuitemaker, Murray Pioneer
Federal Government water buybacks will increase the price of temporary water for Riverland irrigators and the cost of food production, according to senior local politicians.
The Federal Government last week announced the first tender for 70GL of water, under the Voluntary Water Purchase Program, would be opened on Monday.
Chaffey MP Tim Whetstone said Riverland communities and councils were “extremely concerned about what these open slather buybacks will do to their towns, businesses, and local environment.”
“ The information released shows the Labor Government doesn’t know which communities will bear the brunt of this buyback scheme,” Mr Whetstone said.
“Instead, it clearly says there is no fixed volume to be recovered from each state, each catchment or each water right type.
“A motion was passed by councils from across Australia calling on the Albanese Government to reject open market buybacks and put communities at the heart of any water recovery plans because of the damage they will do to our towns.
“This is on the back of ACCC Commissioner Mick Keogh admitting that water buybacks increase prices to access water for irrigators, increasing the cost of food production.”
Barker MP Tony Pasin said the result of buybacks would add further economic pressure to Riverland communities.
“While the documents indicate SA water holders are eligible to partake in this process, areas with a high concentration of network customers are excluded, leaving many Riverland water holders scratching their heads as to whether they are in or out,” Mr Pasin said.
“Labor’s open market EOI process risks creating a race to the bottom, leaving water holders and communities worse off.
“Labor has left Riverland wine grape growers to wither on the vine with little-to-no financial support to assist in restructuring the industry.
“Now, as if to rub salt in the wound, the Albanese Labor Government is using an opaque and confusing system to remove water at the lowest price possible.”
Mr Whetstone advised maintaining water resources for primary production should be a priority.
“If you’re considering selling your water, offer it to your neighbour or your fellow irrigator first,” he said.
“Once it’s in the government’s hands, it’s gone forever.”
This article appeared in the Murray Pioneer, 10 July 2024.
