We’ve slammed the Albanese Government’s announcement that it will alter the Murray Darling Basin Plan in what is an attempt to take more water from farmers.
VFF President Emma Germano said the deal done behind closed doors between the Commonwealth and state governments, which excluded the Victorian Government, would have a devastating impact on Victorian farming communities.
“This is a shameful announcement by the Albanese Government that shows a total disregard for Victorian regional communities.”
“This deal not only undermines the livelihoods of Victorian farmers, but also threatens the long-term sustainability of our regions.”
“We are staring down the barrel of job losses across northern Victoria in farming and food manufacturing, increased cost of production, and increased prices at the supermarket checkout.” “Victorian farmers have done all the heavy lifting in delivering the 2,100GL that has so far been recovered under the plan. This has been done to the economic and social detriment of our communities. In no world should Victoria be expected to do any more,” Ms Germano said
VFF Water Council Chair Andrew Leahy said the announcement winds back Labor’s promise in 2012 that the 450GL target would not be achieved through buybacks.
“Then Water Minister Tony Burke promised in 2012 buybacks would not be used for the 450GL. Tanya Plibersek broke that promise today.”
“Recovery of the 450GL was never guaranteed and was always dependent on socio-economic criteria that Tanya Plibersek now wants to ignore, or worse, get rid of.”