The Public Interest Debate in NSW Parliament and subsequent successful motion from Murray MP Helen Dalton called on the NSW Government to immediately support the establishment of a Royal Commission into water management in NSW, and called on the NSW Government to fully cooperate with a Royal Commission, including the compulsory production of all water modelling, data, licences, compliance records, enforcement actions and intergovernmental agreements.
NSW Farmers Water Taskforce Chair Richard Bootle said water was the single most precious resource farmers had to feed and clothe the nation, but years of dysfunction had taken their toll, undermining regional communities and food and fibre production.
“We’ve been sounding the alarm on water management for a number of years, it’s beyond time that farmers and communities were treated as equal partners with the environment,” Mr Bootle said.
“We’ve seen firsthand the serious social, economic and environmental harm across rural, regional and remote NSW, undermining livelihoods, community viability and river health.
“We welcome any inquiry that brings clarity, improves oversight, and helps ensure water can be used to benefit not only the environment but also the farmers and the communities who depend on it.”
The vote coincided with the commencement of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan review, and Mr Bootle said NSW Farmers would “fully engage”.
“The Basin Plan has let down farmers and communities, and we’re preparing a detailed submission to ensure members’ voices are heard, along with the many questions the Murray-Darling Basin Authority still need to answer,” Mr Bootle said.
“With finite public funds and significant community need, the Murray-Darling Basin Authority must reset expectations and focus on delivering the most realistic environmental outcomes.
“Governments should prioritise non flow centric projects, including immediate investment in carp control, to complement smarter watering strategies.”
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