Three studies on socio-economic impacts of the Murray Darling Basin underway
November 12, 2010
There are now going to be three studies on the socio-economic impacts the Murray Darling Basin Guide Plan will have on local communities.
“It has been made loud and clear at the Murray Darling Basin Community Information Sessions, that a guide or plan without social and economic considerations is simply not an option,” Sharman Stone, Federal Member for Murray said.
“The way it currently stands, the Murray Darling Basin Authority Guide Plan will cut up to another 45 percent of water allocations from irrigators. This will have serious impacts on irrigation and farming communities.
“Irrigators have always understood the importance of a healthy environment but this should not be at the expense of wiping out Victoria’s largest food producing region. Farmers who can no longer maintain their business cannot kill weeds and protect remnant vegetation. It needs to be a win-win scenario.”
Dr Sharman Stone said although the social impacts should always have had proper consideration, it was good news that there is now some action.
“The three inquiries will focus on a range of issues, including the implications for food production and community, global food supply, national implications of foreign water ownership, options for water savings, the role of governments, agricultural industries and research agencies, options for new economic growth including diversification and structural adjustment programs.
“It’s important that these inquiries are expertly carried out and include proper consultation,” Sharman Stone said.
The First inquiry will be undertaken by the Senate. It will be an inquiry into the Murray Darling Basin Plan.
People can make submissions anytime via email to rat.sen@aph.gov.au, or by post to the Committee Secretary, Senate Standing Committee on Rural Affairs and Transport, Department of the Senate, PO Box 6100, Parliament House, Canberra ACT 2600.
The Committee is expected to report to the Senate by 30 November 2011.
The second inquiry will be undertaken by the House or Representatives Standing Committee on Regional Australia. It will be an inquiry into the impact of the Murray Darling Basin Plan in Regional Australia.
People can make submissions up to the 20th December by email to ra.reps@aph.gov.au or by post to the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Regional Australia , PO Box 6021, Parliament House, CANBERRA ACT 2600.
The Committee is expected to report back to parliament by the end of May 2011.
The third enquiry is to be done by the Murray Darling Basin Authority. It will be an assessment of the local community impacts of proposals for the Murray Darling Basin Plan.
Submission details have not yet been finalised. The report is expected to be released in March 2011.
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