The Albanese Government’s announcement to open a water tender buyback in the Southern Connected Murray-Darling Basin will send shockwaves through communities whose economic sustainability depends on irrigated agriculture.

Member for Chaffey Tim Whetstone said it was extraordinary the Albanese Government will conduct a buyback for 70 gigalitres yet can’t identify where the water will come from or how it will be used.
“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.”
“Somehow, Minister Plibersek signed a document claiming she has considered the social and economic impact of the tender on our communities yet doesn’t know which communities to assess.”
Mr Whetstone said the announcement is a slap in the face to local governments from across the Riverland, Mallee, and wider Basin, many of whom have been in Canberra this week for the ALGA Conference.
“River communities and councils are extremely concerned about what these open slather buybacks will do to their towns, businesses, and local environment,” Mr Whetstone said.
“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.
“We have a Water Minister who couldn’t even be bothered to visit river communities and explain what the government’s plans are for them.
“Instead, the Minister issued a sanctimonious media release late on the last federal sitting day before the winter break.”
Mr Whetstone said the disrespect shown to river communities and the failure of the Albanese government to take their concerns seriously will result in job losses and increases
in the cost of food at a time when Australians are already struggling with the cost of living.
“If you’re considering selling your water, offer it to your neighbour or your fellow irrigator first. Once it’s in the Government’s hands, it’s gone forever.”