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Water infrastructure critical to the future of regional communities and property values
25 September 2010
The Real Estate Institute of New South Wales (REINSW) has called on Federal Water Minister Tony Burke to urgently rework the Murray Darling Basin Plan, which local agents fear will seriously damage regional communities.
Ahead of the Federal Parliamentary Inquiry Panel’s visit to Griffith today (Tuesday, 25 January 2011), REINSW is urging the Federal Government and the Murray Darling Basin Authority to deliver additional water infrastructure so that all demands can be balanced.
“This issue has the potential to seriously damage important rural and regional communities over the long term,” said REINSW President Wayne Stewart.
“In its current form, the so called ‘Basin Plan’ will undoubtedly spell the end of some rural communities in the area which will no longer be economically or socially viable.
“While the Institute acknowledges environmental issues are important, they cannot be the sole focus of government at the expense of jobs and livelihood of Australians.
“The recent heavy rains across much of South East Australia have demonstrated that it is the capacity to capture rainfall which is central not only to the long-term economic viability of communities, but also the environmental sustainability of our water ways.
“In the wake of these rains, it is incumbent upon the Federal Government and the Minister to look at what additional water infrastructure needs to be delivered to capture this important resource.
“Farmers, as well as other industries across the Griffith region, have spent decades investing in technology to improve water reuse and delivery.
“What the Minister and Federal Government need to understand is that the protection of these communities and industries is of national significance.
“People from across Australia rely upon the produce and goods from this region so the implementation of a poorly conceived water plan will not only affect supply but inevitably the cost of living should producers be forced off the land.
“Now is the time for the Federal Government to accept its responsibility to fund and develop additional water infrastructure to safeguard future water needs and to balance environmental needs with those of local communities, their economies, and the national interest,” said Mr Stewart.
Please direct media enquiries to Julian Brophy on 0408 276 749
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