The Nationals have secured a commitment that the Victorian Labor Government will continue to oppose water buybacks by the Federal Government.
Nationals Member for Northern Victoria Gaelle Broad asked the Water Minister in Parliament this week if Victoria would continue to oppose water buybacks.
The Minister confirmed that the Victorian Labor Government will continue to oppose water buybacks, and referred to evidence that shows buybacks do real harm, lead to significant job losses and cause very significant hardships across communities.
Water buybacks are a process where the Government buys water entitlements back from farmers, reducing the amount of water taken from the river system. This water can then be traded, or put towards the environment.
“Historically water buybacks have brought a lot of pain to regional communities,” Ms Broad said.
“And when the Commonwealth gets involved in the water market it dramatically inflates prices for everyone.”
Shadow Water Minister and Nationals Member for Ovens Valley Tim McCurdy said the Nationals had long been opposed to water buybacks.
“It’s nice to see the Water Minister supporting our position,” Mr McCurdy said.
“Water buybacks are not wanted in Victoria.
“When you take water out of our communities, you take the heart and soul out of them.”
Photo caption: Water buybacks are not wanted in Victoria.
Media Contact: Linda Barrow 0484 303 764 linda.barrow@parliament.vic.gov.au