This is on top of the 1400GL already purchased under the Murray-Darling Basin Plan’s water buybacks.
Council Chair Administrator Graeme Emonson and chief executive Matthew Morgan recently joined leaders from Greater Shepparton City Council and Campaspe Shire Council in voicing their strong opposition to the buybacks.
They raised their concerns during a meeting in Shepparton with Federal Member for Nicholls Sam Birrell and Federal Shadow Minister for Water Ross Cadell.
The meeting reinforced the united stance of the region’s local government leaders against further water buybacks and highlighted the urgent need for alternative solutions that protected both river health and regional economies.
Dr Emonson said water buybacks posed a serious threat to the future of agriculture, horticulture and food security across the Moira Shire.
“Every litre of water removed from farms means fewer crops, less milk and reduced output from orchards and processing plants,” Dr Emonson said.
“This is not just about farmers, it’s about jobs, local businesses and affordable food for families nationwide.
“The flow-on effects from further buybacks will be devastating for regional and rural communities.”
Mr Morgan also expressed concern that water recovery under the plan seemed to be disproportionately coming from northern Victoria.
“Federal water ministers have repeatedly ignored our requests to come to our region to understand the long-term potential impact on our community and our economy,” Mr Morgan said.
“It is also disappointing that despite the water buybacks continuing, the Victorian Government has not secured any Sustainable Communities funding for our region.
“The majority of the water is being recovered from Victoria, yet it is NSW and SA who are receiving the Sustainable Communities funding to help transition their local communities and economies to a lower water future.
“We need robust adjustment packages to safeguard jobs, support local businesses and drive new opportunities that will secure Moira’s future growth.”
Council has joined other local government leaders in urging the Federal Government to immediately advise the specific locations of water buybacks in order to fully understand the loss and subsequent socio-economic impacts on the region’s industries and communities.
After the first round of new water buybacks was announced in 2024, council engaged in strong advocacy with then Federal Water Minister Tanya Plibersek.
“We conservatively estimate that over 10 per cent of our district jobs are at risk due to the proposed water buybacks, with potentially devastating ripple effects on our local economy,” Dr Emonson told the government.
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