MURRAY-DARLING BASIN PLAN MUST DELIVER FOR LOCALS

Friday, 25 November 2011 11:56

Media Releases - Kevin Anderson Media Release

25 November 2011

MURRAY-DARLING BASIN PLAN MUST DELIVER FOR LOCALS 

Member for Tamworth, Kevin Anderson today called on the Murray-Darling Basin Authority to ensure its soon to be released Proposed Plan delivers for the people of the Tamworth electorate.

“Following the release of the ill-fated Guide last year, my constituents have pleaded that the draft Plan must consider the social and economic impacts as well as environmental ones,” Mr Anderson said

“The document to be released on Monday must take this triple bottom line approach.

“This draft Plan is the Commonwealth’s last chance to restore faith in the process and deliver on their promises to those who live and work in the Murray Darling Basin.”

Mr Anderson said that the future of the community, local farmers and water sustainability is dependent on the Commonwealth getting this Plan right.

“I encourage all those with a vested interest in the future of the Basin to prepare for the formal 20-week consultation period, which will start after the plan is released on 28 November,” Mr Anderson said.

“The NSW Government is keenly interested in hearing what the community has to say on the proposed Basin Plan to ensure all interests are represented.”

Deputy Premier, Andrew Stoner said following the release of the ill-fated Guide last year, Basin communities can rest assured that the NSW Government is going in to bat for them.

 “Whether in Opposition or Government, the NSW Liberals & Nationals have made it clear that we will always back our Basin,” Mr Stoner said.

“The document released on Monday must take a triple bottom line approach.

“This draft Plan is the Commonwealth’s last chance to restore faith in the process and deliver on their promises to those who live and work in the Murray Darling Basin.”

Minister for Primary Industries, Katrina Hodgkinson, said the Plan must be based on best available science, taking into account environmental needs and socioeconomic impacts and must equitably apportion the reductions in water availability for downstream environmental benefits between Basin States.

“I have said it before and I will say it again – we will not support a plan that is not in the best interest of NSW, our primary producers and Basin communities,” Ms Hodgkinson said.

“The constant trickle of leaked information about the Plan is not appreciated by the NSW Government nor is it appreciated by the State’s farmers and rural communities.

“These communities have been holding their breath for the release of this plan since its first proposed release date 18 months ago.

“I urge Mr Knowles to deliver on the commitments he has made to NSW to guarantee a safe, sustainable working future for Basin farmers, communities and the environment,” Ms Hodgkinson said.

Ends