Sharman Stone MP

 

Acting on behalf of its owner, the Victorian Government, NVIRP has effectively appealed to the Supreme Court to overturn the VCAT decision to release the Foodbowl Modernisation’s original Business Plan. This details the original plans for the project which we now know will reduce the footprint of the local irrigation system by over 50 percent.

 

Dr Sharman Stone, Federal Member for Murray, said Premier Brumby is apparently desperate to withhold information being sort under the Freedom of Information Act. The request under the Freedom of Information Act was made by the State Coalition.

 

“Goulburn Valley Irrigators have to pay $100 million to NVIRP as their contribution to the Foodbowl Modernisation activities. NVIRP is now using their budget including irrigator’s money to appeal to the Supreme Court.

 

“This can be compared to irrigators being asked to pay for their own funeral, given many farmers are now so sick of fighting to have a fair go,” Sharman Stone said.

 

“Mr Brumby has walked away from his own highly critical Auditor General’s report, which clearly states in its recommendations that;

 

“….water authorities should produce more comprehensive status information to provide greater transparency around the status of projects”

 

“There has been an appalling lack of consultation, poor value for money, chaos and confusion from the beginning of the Foodbowl Modernisation Project. Meanwhile the pipeline to Melbourne has surged ahead with hardly a hitch, and with no consideration of the environmental, economic, and community impact of taking water away from food growers who underpin the local industries.

 

“Irrigators, who are apparently now to help to pay for Mr Brumby burying the facts, deserve to be treated much better.

 

“I call on Mr Brumby and NVIRP to immediately cease the Supreme Court challenge. The public must know the facts before we embark on Stage 2. We also must make sure that what is being done to the Goulburn Murray Irrigation System and its water users is never forced on any other area in the future.” Sharman Stone said.