Water buybacks are not the enemy?
How are water buybacks detrimental to the future of farming in this region? It’s a misdirected argument.
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For example, water buybacks led to masses of people leaving the regions, causing sporting clubs to close and having devastating effects on dairy farmers and hairdressers — this was claimed by Cr Rob Amos in a council video dated October 26. Did it? Evidence?
It’s like trickle-down economics. Sounds plausible but doesn’t happen in the real world. Water buybacks reduce the pool of water available to farmers, but is it enough to cause that level of devastation.
Claiming Murray Goulburn, Leitchville and Nestle milk processors closed due to introduction of the plan is untrue. They closed due to the global glut of dairy produce that forced prices to drop and uneconomic businesses closed.
Claiming environmental flows are not based on science and only benefit carp is untrue. These flows trigger breeding of water birds, fish, amphibians and plants.
Claiming the environment always gets 100 per cent of allocation is untrue. Allocation is the same for all water users.
Claiming the Coorong is sea water, that fresh water flowing out the Murray mouth is a waste is not backed by science or history.
Claiming farm irrigation water should count as environment water is dubious This water is for farm productivity and not delivered to help ecological systems.
Before irrigation, 100 per cent of water sustained the environment.
Around 16 per cent of total water available in the basin goes to ecological needs if the plan is delivered in full.
Those opposing buybacks with unproven arguments would be better to highlight we have our Murray water needs in order.
We should be smarter and say the priority is getting the Darling River flows and ecological needs of waterways in NSW and Queensland up to our standard, that buybacks are sourced from that region.
Kevin L’Huillier,
Koyuga
Regional roads slammed in report
A Grattan Institute Report released this week highlights the deplorable condition of regional Australian roads, branding them a “dangerous disgrace”.
In a huge wake-up call, the report states the government needs to inject an extra $1 billion annually into regional road funding — or we’re headed for further deterioration.
The urgency is clear. The Liberals and Nationals demand immediate action from the Allan Labor Government to ensure safer roads now, responding to a disturbing surge in road fatalities.
It is essential to acknowledge and address the impact of poorly maintained roads on the safety of Victorians.
The current road toll has exceeded last year’s figures by more than 20 per cent and has already surpassed the total for 2022.
We are deeply disturbed by the escalating tragedy unfolding on our roads and stand ready to work alongside both the government and the community to find effective solutions.
Addressing road safety requires not only proactive engagement from drivers and the community but also leadership and substantial investment from the government.
The Allan Labor Government needs to conduct a comprehensive review of strategies and collaborate with experts to develop a comprehensive road safety package.
A comprehensive road safety plan should encompass a sufficient road maintenance package, but unfortunately this has not been the case with significant and consistent funding cuts to our regional roads by the Allan Labor Government.
The Liberals and Nationals proposal to reinstate the Parliamentary Road Safety Committee, rejected by the Labor Government, is another missed opportunity.
Historically, it played a global leading role in establishing road safety initiatives, including compulsory seatbelts and drink driving rules.
The wellbeing of all Victorians is at stake, and it is crucial that the government prioritises investment in road infrastructure to prevent further deterioration and to keep Victorians safe.
Peter Walsh,
Leader of the Nationals
Member for Murray Plains
SEC won’t stop soaring costs
I was proud to join other members of the Nationals at Parliament during the week to call out the hoax that is the SEC.
We are re-branding the State Electricity Commission as: “Soaring Energy Costs”.
The SEC will see energy costs continue to rise at a time our local residents can least afford it.
People are already struggling to pay their bills as the cost-of-living crisis continues, and this will just make things harder for everyday Victorians.
It’s all just a hoax to fool Victorian consumers.
There’s no way that we’ll see costs for electricity come down under the Allan Labor Government.
Annabelle Cleeland,
Member for Euroa
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