The Federal Government’s decision to expand the non-strategic buyback program in the southern basin, which is part of the Murray-Darling Basin, has sparked outrage among Australian dairy farmers and other stakeholders.
The announcement included purchasing an additional 130 gigalitres of water, raising concerns about the impact on farmers and regional communities.
Critics argue that buybacks undermine the long-term sustainability of irrigation districts and fail to deliver balanced outcomes.
Dairy farmers feel unfairly targeted and fear the economic repercussions of further buybacks.
There are calls for a strategic approach to water purchases to minimise negative impacts on farmers and rural towns.
Read commentary on the announcement from ADF, VFF, National Irrigators’ Council, the Victorian Water Minister, the Federal Shadow Water Minister and local members of Parliament in next week’s Country News.
