Edward River to join day of action against water buybacks

Published on 15 November 2023

Residents from across the Edward River area are being encouraged to take part in a Basin Community Rally next Tuesday 21 November.

The rally is part of a series of simultaneous events held in regional Basin communities to oppose the rewrite of the Murray Darling Basin Plan, currently before the Federal Parliament.

Local organiser Cr Linda Fawns said people in the community were furious about the prospect of further buybacks and the fact they hadn’t been consulted.

“Our town has done its part and suffered the pain of buybacks already. Enough is enough.

“We lost jobs in the region. Our schools are struggling. Local businesses have closed.

“To turn around now and ask for more will put the future of community at risk,” Cr Fawns said.

National Farmers’ Federation President David Jochinke said the rallies were an important demonstration ahead of a vote on the Bill in the Senate in coming weeks.

“They’ve decided to completely rewrite the plan without setting foot in these towns to consult with people.

“This is by no means a done deal.

“We’ve got to come together and send a clear message that we can’t just be sold down the river.

This isn’t just about the farmers, it’s about workers, their families and everyone in these communities whose livelihoods depend on this water,” Mr Jochinke said.

Edward River Council has made a submission to Local Government NSW, requesting that they call on the Australian Government to acknowledge that water buyback has a detrimental effect upon local communities.

The Edward River Basin Community Rally will take place from 12 – 1pm on Tuesday, 21 November at Deniliquin’s Multi-Arts Centre precinct. For details, visit Edward River’s Facebook page or nff.org.au.

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