The Albanese government has the numbers to pass its planned amendments to Murray Darling Basin (MDB) plan laws, with the Greens and independent senator David Pocock pledging their support this week for the reforms in spite of fierce opposition from farmer lobby groups. The news comes as a blow to both farmer groups and MDB communities that have fought against the proposed changes, primarily the push for more water buybacks, with the NFF labelling the proposed changes 'the worst possible outcome' for the Basin. The Greens announced their support for the plan on Monday, while crossbencher Sen Pocock pledged his vote, critical to allow the government the numbers to get their plans over the line, today. Communities through the MDB have been furiously protesting the proposed changes in recent weeks in the lead up to the bill amendments in parliament and are urging the government to slow down the process to allow for adequate consultation. This followed earlier protests in towns through Riverina communities including in Leeton and Griffith. The National Farmers Federation slammed the government, saying its policies for the MDB were designed to placate urban green-leaning voters rather than achieve the best outcomes for MDB communities. National Farmers' Federation President David Jochinke said when presented with the choice to listen to communities and negotiate on sensible changes, Minister Plibersek had opted to give rural Australia the cold shoulder. "This is the worst possible outcome for the Basin Plan," Mr Jochinke said. "You know the minister has let this process go completely off the rails when you have South Australian Greens dictating water policy," he said. "The process has become a shambles and the credibility of the Basin Plan has been sold down the river." "This deal makes it crystal clear the Government is completely out of touch and doesn't give a stuff about communities." IN OTHER NEWS: The new deal will push forward for the recovery of 450 gigalitres (GL) of additional environmental water by December 31, 2027 and will give the federal government the power to withdraw state government infrastructure projects that are deemed non-viable. Government will also be allowed to push for additional water recovery in the northern basin. Other major points from the deal include tasking the Inspector-General of Water Compliance to undertake an independent audit of the water allocated to the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder and publishing information about the status of projects and delivery of the 450GL of water for the environment. Indigenous issues have also been addressed with acknowledgement in the plan of First Nations people's connection, history and water needs and the boosting of funding for the Aboriginal Water Entitlement Program (AWEP) to $100 million, while there will also be mandatory reporting to demonstrate how environmental water holders have considered First Nations values and uses, and involved First Nations in environmental watering decisions The community-based Speak Up Campaign says a decision to reintroduce water buybacks "will not only hurt rural communities, but ultimately everyone who eats clean, green Australian food". Speak Up chairman Shelley Scoullar said it was not surprising the two cross- bench Senators who have agreed to support the government's Murray-Darling Basin Plan changes are city-based politicians who do not have lived experience in rural communities. "We were devastated to learn that Senators Van and Pocock would support the bill. "However, we understand that water policy is a very complex issue and it was probably unrealistic to expect they would be able to fully understand how water management works. "Numerous organisations, including Speak Up, have supported policy that improves our environment and, at the request of Water Minister Tanya Plibersek, presented various options that would enable the Basin Plan to be delivered without again resorting to buybacks." Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can access our trusted content:
