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Southern Basin communities raise alarm over water recovery impact

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The Commonwealth Government water buybacks scheme will disproportionately impact the southern Murray-Darling Basin, as the region still struggles to overcome the impacts of earlier water recovery programs.

Water users and local government have outlined the significant risks posed by water recovery policies to the region’s agriculture, economy, and mental health, in a letter to State and federal politicians and departments.

The letter is co-signed by Yanco Creek and Tributaries Advisory Council Inc (YACTAC), Leeton Shire Council, Murrumbidgee Council, Murray River Private Diverters, Edward River Pumpers and Landholders, Southern Riverina Irrigators, Murray Regional Strategy Group, Upper Goulburn River Catchment Association, and Billabong Creek Association.

Speaking on behalf of the group, Trevor Clark, Chair of YACTAC, has voiced deep concerns on behalf of farmers, councils and community members of the Southern Basin regarding the current and future impacts of water recovery initiatives.

“We have engaged with every department and have been told that the impact on the irrigated agriculture sector will be minimal when averaged, but it is acknowledged that specific areas will be more severely impacted than others. The Southern Basin of NSW and northern Victoria is a large area earmarked for these negative impacts,” Mr Clark said.

The letter highlights that while the 450GL upwater buybacks have been staggered, the cumulative effect over this year and next will devastate the industry and broader community both financially and mentally. The implementation of three buyback rounds within the 2024-25 water year is expected to cause maximum market, community, and industry disruption, contradicting the government’s commitment to a steady, staged approach where buybacks are not the sole tool used.

“The cumulative impact of water recovery will fundamentally change the entire Southern Basin in every way,” Clark warned.

The letter lists several key concerns, including:

  • A shortfall of 605GL SDLAM, likely ranging between 190-315GL
  • Bridging the Gap initiative
  • Aboriginal Water Entitlement Program (47GL)
  • Special Purpose Access Licences (SPALs) for Indigenous use – HS
  • Northern NSW Connectivity Review and its potential state-wide expansion
  • Upper Murrumbidgee review
  • Menindee Connectivity Trial; and
  • Regional Water Strategies

Mr Clark said that while water holders will be compensated for their water entitlements, small industries tied to the irrigation sector will receive no such exit payments. The ripple effects could lead to widespread bankruptcy and the shrinking of communities across the Southern Basin, particularly in already vulnerable towns.

“There is a significant lack of understanding within the broader community on how these initiatives will be rolled out and their direct impacts. After over a decade of discussion around the Basin Plan, many people have ‘switched off’, believing the future will remain status quo. It will be anything but,” Mr Clark said.

“Industry and every Basin Council opposed buybacks during the consultation period, showing just how concerned this region is. The government must establish necessary social and economic protections to prevent negative impacts on Southern Basin communities.

“If improved environmental outcomes are the genuine objectives, the result of buybacks and the ‘add more water’ approach will solve nothing. The Basin Plan and past reforms have already recovered over 4,600 billion litres of water for the environment. What is needed now is action to address the major degradation drivers such as European carp, cold water pollution, constraints, and erosion.

“The Southern Basin communities demand a holistic approach to water management that supports both the environment and the livelihoods of those who depend on it.”

Narrandera Argus 15 August 2024

This article appeared in the Narrandera Argus, 15 August 2024.

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