Buybacks Will Destroy Communities, Say Southern Riverina Irrigators

Federal Water Minister Tanya Plibersek has again been informed that buying and removing water from productive use in irrigation areas will financially and economically destroy the associated communities. Minister Plibersek knows both what she is doing and what the effect of her actions will be.

The Federal Government, via the Murray Darling Basin Authority (MDBA), only operates with the consent of the NSW and Victorian State Governments. The relevant Water Ministers in these States have also been informed of the actions of the MDBA, and of the detrimental consequences of its actions.

The Federal, NSW and Victorian Governments are all equally complicit in the destruction of the livelihoods of the people in these areas. These Governments have been informed many times by many representatives for many years of the destructive consequences of their actions, and yet these Governments continue to act as they do.

Discussion and information have not affected the actions of the Federal and State Governments.

Affected people have to consider whether they are prepared to accept the drying out of these areas, and being blown away, or whether they should assume responsibility for their livelihoods, and establish Riverina Statehood, with all the authority that this State possesses. This State will preserve the irrigation industry and the prosperity of the people in the areas encompassing it.

The Riverina State is essential!

David Landini.