Sources say that a water bill proposed by the Australian government, which could see buybacks take 450GL of water from local irrigators, will have detrimental effects on the Greater Shepparton region and its horticulture industry. Greater Shepparton City Council Mayor, Councillor Shane Sali, said the announcement would have a significant impact on regional communities.
Councillor Sali said Greater Shepparton would feel the brunt of the Water Amendment (Restoring Our Rivers) Bill 2023, which was introduced to Parliament yesterday and will see legislative changes made to the Murray-Darling Basin Plan.
“Our region is one of the largest producers of fruit and vegetables in Australia and our farmers rely on irrigation water to ensure they are growing quality produce, which is both consumed domestically and exported all over the world,” he said. “If the government was to take an additional 450GL from irrigators our local growers will be severely impacted. This legislation would impact people’s jobs and livelihoods, leaving rural communities decimated.”
Source: greatershepparton.com.au
