Sharman Stone MP

 

Dr Sharman Stone, Federal Member for Murray and member of the Committee, said the scheme has stranded assets, has forced higher prices onto other irrigators and has, in general, left what people typically call the Swiss cheese effect . This has been acknowledged by the State Government, by local councils, by business people and farmers themselves.

 

“It is the reason why yesterday the Regional Australia Committee chaired by Tony Windsor, put an interim urgent request to Minister Bourke, and Minister Crean asking them to urgently consider the negative impacts of the non- strategic water buy-back, in particular, the problems it was creating at this point in time when farmers are so financially stressed.

 

“Yesterday Mr Bourke claimed that the government’s water buy backs had to continue no matter what, or if they were to be halted or extended for any period of time, this would lead to the government compulsorily acquiring water.

 

“That is a ridiculous proposition,” Sharman Stone said.

 

“Everyone knows the greatest value for the basin is when water savings are found through improved on farm water use efficiency and irrigation infrastructure. That is the best way to find more water for the environment.”

 

“As well there is no-doubt a way for a strategic buy back of some water in place of where the farmers want to sell water as a group, for example at Warkool, and if these buy backs are put on the table they should include additional considerations for adjustment to a dry land regime or other works on farms to allow them to continue to be productive without water.

 

“ I hope Minister Bourke will respond to the Committee’s request, and urgently reconsider the non-strategic water buy-backs that the government continues to offer through the tender process. What we need is a rational sensible response not knee jerk, cheap politics at question time,” Sharman Stone said.