NSW Irrigators’ Council is calling on political parties and candidates to do more than just mouth platitudes about the value of agriculture, and commit to real action and funding to support food and fibre production in conjunction with better environmental outcomes.

NSWIC CEO Claire Miller said it was telling that billions of dollars continue to be spent on unnecessary further water recovery for the environment, while neglecting measures such as fishways that would make a lasting, step change difference to native species health and survival.

“We are calling for a $2 billion commitment over four years to measures to boost river health, such as removing the European carp wrecking water quality and native species habitat,” Ms Miller said.

“Further, there should be no erosion of entitlement reliability and water property rights through rules changes, and no more water recovery from farmers.

“Farmers and their communities are tired of being told how much they are valued when politicians come to town for a campaign photo-op, while in practice being starved of the policies and funding they need.

“Politicians say they want Australians to eat local and support our farmers. If so, then we need to see an end to policies that increase farmers’ input costs such as water, so they cannot compete against the rising tide of cheap imported dairy, cereals, meat, fruit and vegetables worth $40 billion in 2024.”

Irrigated agricultural production is worth more than $ 4 billion a year to the NSW economy, and employs tens of thousands on farms, in service industries and in processing. NSWIC is looking for a new political approach to water management based on collaboration and partnership through:

The Murray-Darling Basin: Move beyond ‘just add water’

• No erosion of entitlement reliability and water property rights through rules changes, and no more water recovery from farmers.
• Commit $2 billion over four years to complementary measures to boost river health, such as removing European carp wrecking water quality and native species habitat.
• Streamline SDLAM accreditation process and fully meet the 605GL target.

Support for regional communities, economies and industries

• Adequate funding for irrigated agricultural industries and communities to manage and adapt to the impacts of water recovery programs.
• Improved productivity, efficiency and transparency in federal departments/agencies to deliver on time and reduce costs to farmers and communities.
• Genuine consultation and collaboration with irrigated agriculture as the second largest holder of water rights after Government.

Technology and infrastructure

• Invest in regional infrastructure and technology to improve socioeconomic and environmental outcomes.

Water management and governance

• All water users are treated equally in water policy, management and governance matters. No one group’s rights are to be prioritised over others or erode existing water property rights.

The NSWIC election platform can be read in full HERE.