Federal Government End To Buybacks In Victoria Good News For NSW

Despite Victoria refusing to allow Federal water buybacks, the Federal Government has announced it will continue funding Commonwealth environmental water projects across the state.

Independent Member for Murray. Helen Dalton welcomed the news.

“Luckily the Victorian Government called the Federal Government’s bluff,” Ms Dalton said.

“That’s what has caused this backdown on the blackmail.”

Ms Dalton said that Water Minister Tanya Plibersek continues to publicly claim she wants to push ahead with Commonwealth buybacks in Victoria and NSW, despite Victoria’s refusal to allow it.

Under the Murray Darling Basin Plan, the Commonwealth has the power to force farmers to sell water if willing buyers can’t be found, but Ms Dalton said it was unlikely to happen.

“It would be political suicide for the Federal Government to force farmers to lose the water they need to survive,” Ms Dalton said.

Ms Dalton has called on NSW Premier, Chris Minns to oppose buybacks in NSW in the same way the Victorians have.

“Premier Minns should realise the Federal Government was always bluffing,” Ms Dalton said.

“It’s time for Chris to say “no” to buybacks in NSW, also.”

• Topics:

• Water
• Agriculture & Farming
• Politics