“It is not a real strategy but a high-level wish list without any substance on how to mitigate impacts on communities or achieve the programs outcomes of value for money and enhanced environmental outcomes.”
That is how National Irrigators Council CEO Zara Lowien has reacted to news the Federal Government would be starting buybacks from July 15.
It’s been six months since the Water Amendment (Restoring our Rivers) Bill ascended.
Mrs Lowien said despite assurances that all tools are in the toolbox, Federal Water Minister Tanya Plibersek seems to be opting for only one - to fund buybacks.
The first communities in the firing line will be those in the Southern Murray-Darling Basin, despite not knowing the likely impact.
Mrs Lowien said by rushing into buybacks knowing all too well it will have negative impacts on communities and drive-up water prices, Minister Plibersek has payed lip-service to Basin communities and the requirement to consider socio-economic impacts.
“A signed declaration indicated the impacts have been considered without actually knowing exactly where, what type of entitlements and what industries or communities will be impacted and on what scale,” she said.
“The entire 70 gigalitres targeted could come from just one valley or region, devasting those communities or push a known vulnerable community or industry to breaking point.
“If you don’t have the details, how can you truly consider the likely impact”.
“The Albanese Government have had the option since the changes, but we had expected more thought and strategy would be made considering the likely impacts.
“But the updated 450GL framework provides very little insight, even in the multitude of attachments.
“The framework relies solely on a vague claim to use a mix of tools and subsequently buy off communities with the $300 million sugar hit from the Basin Communities fund.
“The Federal Government says we have these alternatives on offer, yet we are more six months into the extension and there is not one new funding announcement other than buybacks.
“Is not good enough and it doesn’t pass the pub test for Basin communities.”
Mrs Lowien said communities know there are alternative project ideas being put to both state and federal governments that can be achieved without negative community impacts, but said these “must be sitting on desks”.
“Governments cannot sit back and go slow on these alternatives but rush into buybacks without eroding the little remaining good will of industry and communities,” she said.
“It’s time to look at all the options and start funding those gathering dust on the minister’s desk”.
“And that includes also investing in direct-action projects known as complementary measures, to address environmental degradation around the Basin that won’t be fixed with water.”