But federal Water Minister Murray Watt last week refused to rule out more buybacks to cover a shortfall in water recovery targets from environmental projects.
And it is despite Nationals’ leader Matt Canavan announcing he will introduce a bill to parliament this week to ban water buybacks.
Murrumbidgee Shire Mayor Ruth McRae, in her role as chair of the Riverina and Murray Joint Organisation (RAMJO) met with Minister Watt last week as part of a stakeholder roundtable in Leeton which reinforced a united regional call for an end to further water buybacks and a more balanced approach to Murray-Darling Basin policy.
The roundtable brought together local government leaders, irrigators, agricultural representatives, regional development organisations and industry stakeholders to discuss the future of water policy in the Basin.
Cr McRae said the meeting provided an important opportunity for regional communities to explain the real-world impacts that water recovery policies continue to have on local economies, businesses and families.
"Our communities understand the importance of achieving strong environmental outcomes, but those outcomes cannot come at the expense of the people, industries and regional towns that depend on water for their future.
"The message was clear: the Commonwealth must cease further water buybacks and work directly with regional stakeholders to identify practical solutions that deliver environmental benefits while sustaining jobs, investment and economic growth,” Cr McRae said.
However, Mr Watt in various forums has refused to rule out buybacks, claiming the government has a “legislated obligation to deliver” and that “the water has to come from somewhere”.
Edward River Council Mayor Ashley Hall told Mr Watt at the roundtable that Basin communities are increasingly concerned about the cumulative economic and social impacts of ongoing water recovery.
"We are already seeing the consequences of reduced water availability across our region. When jobs are lost in regional communities, the effects extend far beyond a single workplace.
“Local businesses lose customers, sporting clubs lose volunteers, schools lose enrolments and communities lose confidence in their future," he said.
Stakeholders highlighted the significant contribution irrigated agriculture, food processing and manufacturing make to the Riverina economy and stressed that water should be recognised as critical productivity infrastructure.
Participants also encouraged greater focus on innovation, environmental works and improved management of existing environmental water holdings, rather than additional permanent water recovery.
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