Member for Murray Helen Dalton and community members that spoke at the forum.
Member for Murray Helen Dalton says her fellow politicians were left "shocked and speechless” by testimony they heard at a water forum she hosted at NSW Parliament House on Wednesday.
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“You could have heard a pin drop,” Ms Dalton said.
“The reality of the water crisis really hit home for everyone in that room.
“The speakers were impassioned, and you couldn’t help but be moved by their testimony.”
The forum, a shortened version of the ‘Saving the Basin from the Highway to Hell’ forum held in Barham in March, included presentations from Southern Riverina Irrigators CEO Sophie Baldwin, Deniliquin farmer Sharni Lundie and representatives of Kagome Australia and Ricegrowers’ Association of Australia.
Ms Dalton said she was particularly encouraged by the attendance of The Nationals leader Gurmesh Singh.
“A lot of people in rural Australia tell me that they feel The Nationals have been missing in action on the issue of water,” Ms Dalton said.
“It was great to see Gurmesh turn up to hear about the living hell that rural Australia is going through.
“This isn’t a small political issue. This is a genuine, serious crisis and every politician must do everything in our power to end this crisis,
“The destruction of rural Australia by federal and state governments must end immediately.
“We can no longer accept policies that are a death warrant for our livelihoods, and our way of life.
“Federal politicians cannot be allowed to trade away rural Australia in order to win green votes in cities.
“We are beyond breaking point, and I’m encouraged to see people in the NSW Parliament are waking up to this fact, thanks to forums like the one we held Wednesday.”
Ms Dalton said she will continue to hold forums and events to highlight the water crisis.
“I will not stop, until the water crisis is over.”
Member for Murray Helen Dalton speaking at the water forum on Wednesday.
NSW Nationals leader Gurmesh Singh in attendance at the water forum.
Edward River Council Mayor Ashley Hall speaks at the water forum on Wednesday.
Several politicians attended the water forum at NSW parliament on Wednesday.
