THE Almond Board of Australia has gone public with its “extreme disappointment” after the Senate voted to support the Water Amendment (Restoring Our Rivers) Bill, without changes.
ABA chief executive Tim Jackson said in recent months a significant amount of time had been spent highlighting what is at stake for communities living in the Murray Darling Basin if more water buybacks were permitted.
“We made a submission to the Senate inquiry about this Bill, we’ve travelled to Canberra and Sydney to meet with politicians and attended the Taste of the Basin event at Parliament House,” Mr Jackson said.
“But it seems our concerns have been ignored, especially by Labor, the Greens and some Independent senators.”
Mr Jackson said the Almond Board of Australia has worked closely with the National Farmers Federation, National Irrigators Council, the New South Wales Irrigators Council and other farming bodies to provide a united voice.
“Buybacks will cause hardship in Basin communities, but this move will also be noticed by all Australians when they visit the supermarket and their groceries cost more,” he added.
The ABA is not opposed to the original elements of the Murray Darling Basin Plan, but believes a combination of measures must be used to achieve further environmental benefits.
“It’s essential we have healthy rivers, and there are many ways this can been achieved, yet more water buybacks is seen by the government as the quickest and easiest way to get things done,” he said.
Federal Water and Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek said buybacks must provide value for the taxpayer and benefit the environment.
She has also committed to considering other water saving options.
“The government’s deal with the Greens to allow more water buybacks from the Murray Darling Basin will protect local communities and deliver great benefits for the water system – it is a good balance between environmental and economic factors,” Ms Plibersek said.
Mr Jackson said the ABA will continue its advocacy work “to ensure these promises aren’t forgotten”.
Because amendments were made to the Bill, it now needs to return to the House of Representatives where it is expected to pass.
