A ripple of uncertainty deepens in rural regional communities

• The Murray Darling Basin plan has a shortfall of 46 GL to be recovered by June 30, 2024
• Goondiwindi Regional Council and agricultural stakeholders are supportive of the plan however believe genuine collaboration and communication between key stakeholders is required
• Cr Springborg extended an invitation to the Minister for the Environment and Water to visit the Goondiwindi region

In February, the latest water buy back initiative was launched by the Federal Government Department of Environment and Water as part of the Murray Darling Basin (MDB) plan. This initiative aims to address the water deficit of approximately 46 billion litres (46 GL).

However, this initiative has generated further uncertainty among agricultural communities in the border regions of Queensland and New South Wales.

According to the MDB plan, the goal is to recover and restore the water shortfall to the rivers, wetlands, and groundwater systems by June 30, 2024, in order to achieve improved water efficiencies.

While the Goondiwindi Regional Council, farmers and agricultural stakeholders are supportive and willing to work with the Federal Government, concerns have been growing about the Department of Environment and Water's current approach.

Goondiwindi Regional Council Mayor, the Honourable Cr Lawrence Springborg AM said as a rural regional community with high economic reliance on irrigated farming, our community is looking for effective communication between the Department of Environment and Water and local agricultural stakeholders.

“There is a limit as to how much success the buy back can achieve especially when limited conversations are taking place,” Cr Springborg said. “Conversations across the Basin with private properties and farmers need to happen, to explore all options to improve water conservation and health of the Murray Darling Basin waterways and to keep rural communities strong.”

‘Water recovery can only do so much; other measures such as pest control, sustainable infrastructure, habitat restoration and enhanced fish passage need to be addressed to achieve the desired environmental outcomes the Federal Government is seeking,” he said.

In April, Cr Springborg extended an invitation to the Minister for the Environment and Water, the Honourable Tanya Plibersek MP, to come to the region and meet with Council representatives, key stakeholders, and members of the local agricultural community, but as yet has not received a reply.

Cr Springborg said fostering a relationship between the Department and rural regional communities is integral to improving the confidence of stakeholders and achieving the desired environmental outcomes and keeping our towns strong.

According to the NSW Irrigators' Council, their campaign, Let's Move #Beyond Buybacks, agreed that an integrated water management approach is required to meet the Federal Government’s MDB Plan goals.