The Nationals have secured a commitment that the Victorian Labor Government will continue to oppose water buybacks by the Federal Government.
Nationals’ Member for Mildura, Jade Benham, along with her Victorian Nationals colleagues across regional Victoria have successfully advocated for the Victorian Government to continue to oppose water buybacks.
The Minister confirmed that the Victorian Labor Government will continue to oppose water buybacks, and referred to evidence that shows buybacks do real harm, lead to significant job losses and cause very significant hardships across communities.
Water buybacks are a process where the Government buys water entitlements back from farmers, reducing the amount of water taken from the river system. This water can then be traded, or put towards the environment.
“Historically water buybacks have brought a lot of pain to regional communities,” Ms Benham said.
“And when the Commonwealth gets involved in the water market it dramatically inflates prices for everyone.”
Shadow Water Minister and Nationals Member for Ovens Valley Tim McCurdy said the Nationals had long been opposed to water buybacks.
“It’s nice to see the Water Minister supporting our position,” Mr McCurdy said.
“Water buybacks are not wanted in Victoria.
“When you take water out of our communities, you take the heart and soul out of them.”
