They want governments to recognise the unique challenges being faced in the Edward River region, and work with our community on sustainable solutions.
The collaboration is timely, with a NSW Government inquiry into impacts of water policy being held tomorrow at the Deniliquin Town Hall.
As part of its remit, the inquiry is looking at options to improve government programs aimed at offsetting the impact of water buybacks.
Organisations including Edward River Council, Murray Irrigation Ltd and Deniliquin Business Chamber, alongside business leaders, want the Edward River community to be ‘on the front foot’ when government programs are being delivered.
They believe a collaborative approach is key to leveraging possibly the most important reset opportunity for decades, through the Sustainable Communities program and other funding initiatives.
Mayor Ashley Hall summed it up.
“We all oppose water buybacks because they take productivity away from our region,” he said.
“If governments insist on this transformation it is imperative we receive adequate funding for sustainable economic growth.
“And importantly, we want to work with governments to ensure funding is delivered to the right projects which provide the lasting job creation that is needed.”
Cr Hall was supported by Murray Irrigation CEO Ron McCalman.
“Our organisations are all confident about the region’s future and ready to play a leading role in developing solutions that will provide prosperity and sustainability,” Mr McCalman said.
The collaboration has the support of Murray Regional Strategy Group.
Its chair, Geoff Moar, agreed organisations across the region need to work collaboratively on sustainable solutions to the challenges being faced by the entire region.
He supported the Mayor’s statement that water buybacks are draining productivity from across the entire NSW Murray Valley, with impacts that extend well beyond the farm gate.
ERC CEO Jack Bond added the Edward River community is “open for business” and the council was committed to working with business and community organisations to continue the prosperity which has been built around the agricultural sector.
“We are a strong and productive community that can continue to grow, with water security a key to our future.
“These organisations have come together to show governments that we are ready and willing to co-design funding solutions locally, to get the best outcomes for our region.
“Our lifestyle and housing affordability are key factors on which we can build a prosperous future,” Mr Bond said.
Cr Hall said ERC would not be seeking “trinkets” from governments.
“We want to work with governments to ensure the right level of funding is delivered to provide the next phase in our regional growth.
“Council has identified key areas, including education and health, which are vital services for a sustainable community. In education, we must provide adequate facilities and opportunities from childcare right through to tertiary education.
“Our health facilities, including infrastructure, must align with what is required for a regional centre in the 21st century.
“These are just two of the important areas where the Edward River region requires significant government support.
“We want long-term, practical investment that supports our economy, environment and people.
“Water reform decisions today shape the opportunities available to our next generation and the industries they will work in.
“Numerous studies have highlighted the social and economic impact of water reform on our region. It is incumbent on governments to work with those areas most impacted by this reform on successful and positive structural adjustment.
“As we transition to a local economy with less productive water, it is vital that in the immediate future we lay the foundations for the coming decades.
“This needs to be done in collaboration with government to ensure the projects and funding of greatest need are prioritised.”
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