Council opposes Basin water buybacks

Published on 22 August 2024

Gannawarra Shire Council has reaffirmed its opposition to open market water buybacks in the Murray-Darling Basin’s Southern Connected Basin.

Council endorsed the Murray River Group of Councils’ water advocacy position at its August 2024 meeting, building on its campaign opposing the return of the Federal Government to the water market to ensure environmental targets outlined in the Murray-Darling Basin Plan are achieved.

“The Federal Government previous efforts to undertake a buyback program to achieve environmental targets outlined in the Murray-Darling Basin Plan inflicted social and economic damage on the Gannawarra, and we are concerned the same outcome will occur again,” Mayor Ross Stanton said.

“With less water available for irrigation purposes, there will be lower agricultural production but the same infrastructure and operating cost for the irrigation network. This is likely to result in lower productivity and higher fixed costs spread between less irrigators.

“These costs will be passed onto consumers, who could expect this to impact on the cost of food during a time when cost of living is a key issue in our community.”

In response to the Federal Government’s actions, the Victorian Government has developed the Planning Our Basin Future Together prospectus, which sets out a strategic, catchment-based methodology for water recovery that looks to increase environmental benefits and reduce socio-economic impacts on communities.

“This approach is more complex, costly and time consuming than open market buybacks and relies on working with communities to develop catchment specific plans. However, this approach will deliver a better outcome for all,” Mayor Stanton said.

The Murray River Group of Councils, which Gannawarra Shire Council is a member of and is currently the chairing council, is calling for significant Federal investment in regional economic development to support the long-term prosperity and sustainability of irrigation districts and communities.

“The need to continue to advocate for a balanced approach that ensures water security and economic viability for the future of northern Victoria is paramount for the long-term prosperity and social wellbeing of the region,” Mayor Stanton said.