The group, of which Deniliquin farmer Greg Sandford is chair, had only recently started calling on him to step down from the portfolio leading in to the election.
‘‘The group, which represents 1200 irrigators in the Murray Valley, recently called on Premier Gladys Berejiklian to remove Blair from his role due to his disastrous handling of the groundwater debacle,’’ Mr Sandford said.
‘‘The group took the state government to court over the compulsory acquisition of groundwater with no compensation, but dropped the Class Action after coming to an agreement with Blair.’’
Mr Sandford alleged Mr Blair later ‘‘reneged on this agreement’’.
‘‘Blair then tried to rush through their Water Sharing Plan review without addressing the three fundamental issues — science, socio-economic study and consultation.
‘‘Groundwater entitlements in the Murray Valley are currently trading at $2600 per megalitre, compared to surface water of $1500 per megalitre.
‘‘The association is looking forward to working with new state member Helen Dalton, and the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party.’’
Mr Blair, in a prepared statement, said he indicated to the premier some months ago he did not want to be considered for a ministerial role if re-elected.
He attributed the decision to a change in political priorities and family reasons.
‘‘In the face of the ongoing drought, our farmers and regional communities need someone who can continue to spend every waking minute fighting with them, among them and for them,’’ Mr Blair said.
‘‘After having done this proudly and steadfastly for the past eight years, it is now time to make way for someone new who can be that voice.
‘‘I know there are people who are suggesting I should be sacked or that my resignation from Cabinet is due to the challenges and incorrect accusations that have been made about the government when it comes to water management.
‘‘I cannot deny that the level of aggression directed towards me around water policy has had a profound impact. However, I stand by every decision I have made and believe that while the benefit of those decisions may not be felt immediately, they will be felt in the years to come as our state works to deliver the Murray-Darling Basin Plan.’’
