This could include providing ‘voluntary contributions’ of water to farmers so they can continue growing the food and fibre on which our nation relies.
Speak Up Campaign chair Shelley Scoullar says these ‘voluntary contributions’ are not a new concept, though in the past they have only been used one way, which she said should be no surprise.
“In 2002 water holders across the Murray and Murrumbidgee Valleys reluctantly agreed to voluntarily contribute a percentage of their water entitlements to the NSW Government for environmental purposes,” Mrs Scoullar said.
“Of course, as we know, since that time massive quantities of water have been transferred from productive use and kept in storage in the name of providing environmental flows.
“Nearly 25 years ago, more water was needed for the environment, and our water holders stepped up to the plate and helped out.
“Now the boot is on the other foot, so we believe in this year of very low allocations that water held in storage for the environment, which will not all be used for that purpose, should be allocated as a ‘voluntary contribution’ to farmers.”
The call for a ‘voluntary contribution’ of this nature has also been made by Member for Murray Helen Dalton, which is supported by the Speak Up Campaign.
“The Murray general security allocation is sitting on a meagre two per cent, with Murrumbidgee on 15. So now is the time for governments to find water that can be used for food production, thus supporting rural communities and playing a role in keeping the cost of food down,” Ms Scoullar said.
“If we grow less food it will cost more at the supermarket. That is basic economics that the government should understand and act to alleviate.
“The best way to stimulate the economy, create jobs and provide staple foods is to make water available for those who intend to grow food with it. While there have been some welcome rains recently, the dry period is far from over and many graziers still need to source hay.
“It’s time to be smarter and more balanced with our water use and the voluntary contributions are one way the government can take positive steps in this direction.
“Unfortunately, to this point, there seems to be a reluctance by governments and their departments to think ‘outside the square’ so water can be made available during dry times. Instead, we have massive quantities that are stored in dams and not being distributed effectively.
“There is no doubt that we can have enough water to sustain both the environment and our food production, but at present we do not have the balance right and nor do we have policy settings that manage water in the best possible way.
“When the environment needed water more than two decades ago, farmers helped out and made voluntary contributions. Now, it’s time for governments to reciprocate and provide farmers with some water from their huge environmental bucket.”
Mrs Scoullar said we need to “move away from this current unwillingness to support food production”.
“Let’s work on solutions that benefit all Australians.
“A good starting point would be a voluntary contribution to increase allocations so food can be grown, rural communities protected and prices kept lower at the supermarket.”
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