That was a clear message from Edward River Mayor Ashley Hall, delivered during his welcome speech at the Deni Ute Muster chairman’s reception.
Cr Hall congratulated Ute Muster Chairman Russell Tait and his Board, General Manager Vicky Lowry and recognised the sponsors, community supports and hundreds of volunteers who help deliver “one of Australia’s truly iconic regional events”.
He then used the opportunity, in front of numerous politicians, to send an impassioned and clear message about the impacts of water policy, in particular buybacks.
“Our community is currently dealing with the loss of 68 jobs at SunRice. This equates to 40,000 jobs lost in one industry in Sydney.
“This just wouldn’t happen; government would step in. So why not here?” Cr Hall asked.
He said those losses affect families, businesses, schools, sporting clubs and confidence in our future.
“While there are always a range of factors that influence business decisions, our community knows that water policy and the continued removal of water from productive agriculture have had a significant impact on the long-term viability of irrigation-dependent industries.
“That is why there is such concern about ongoing water buybacks and the prospect of further recovery arising from shortfalls in SDL Adjustment Mechanism projects.
“The message from Deniliquin is simple. If there are shortfalls in SDLAM projects, the answer cannot be more buybacks.
“Communities like ours should not be expected to pay for project failures through the loss of more productive water, more jobs and more economic opportunity,” Cr Hall said.
He said farmers have adjusted, businesses have adapted and our communities have carried much of the burden.
“Now we need certainty. We need confidence for investment, and we need political support to protect industries such as rice and dairy that are so critical to the prosperity of this region.
“Our message to decision-makers here today is clear: Take further water buybacks off the table. Support productive agriculture, regional jobs and the communities that feed this nation,” Cr Hall said.
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