The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water quietly published the draft strategy in late January, seeking public comment by March 4.
The Victorian Government is against buybacks.
Joint chair of the Goulburn Murray Irrigation District Water Leadership Group, David McKenzie, described the framework as being lightweight with very little detail.
He said the reference to the attractiveness of the southern basin water for buybacks was no surprise, as the leadership group has been warning that Victoria will become a target for buybacks due to the high reliability of the water product.
The Federal Government will be implementing buybacks as part of its strategy to meet a 450 Gl water recovery target under the revised Murray-Darling Basin Plan.
“Voluntary water purchase through competitive tender is expected to remain an important tool to meet water recovery targets,” the draft strategy for the Restoring Our Rivers plan states.
Mr McKenzie said the department was acknowledging the high value of Victorian water.
“If you look at the two sides of the Murray River, Victoria has developed the most intensive and high-value agriculture because of the reliability of our water.
“So, it’s no surprise they will want to buy Victorian water.”
The report said:
“The southern basin has a comparatively richer and deeper market of water entitlements that make voluntary water purchases a more reliable tool for water recovery.
“Water recovered from well‑connected catchments have strong potential to meet and enhance a range of important environmental outcomes. Voluntary water purchase through competitive tender is expected to remain an important tool to meet water recovery targets.”
The published timeline for 2024 indicates the government will start targeted water purchases, “excluding major irrigation networks”, and will work with states and major irrigation networks on complementary voluntary water purchase and network rationalisation opportunities.
Mr McKenzie said the leadership group believes this reference is to diverters, who pump directly from the rivers, “although I can’t see how they would find many offers here, as diverters are often pumping onto high-value crops, including horticulture”.
He said the framework was full of motherhood statements, with little detail on which to give feedback.
“It’s just window dressing to give the impression of consultation. They will do what they are going to do.”
The Murray Regional Strategy Group, which represents community and farming groups, believes towns like Rochester, Echuca, Benalla, Seymour and Deniliquin are more vulnerable under the Federal Govenment’s revised basin plan
Group chair Geoff Moar said communities his organisation represents are “shocked and disheartened” by the latest Murray-Darling Basin Plan announcement, adding the water recovery plan highlights a government, responsible minister and bureaucracy that are “out of touch” and showing a limited understanding of how to effectively manage precious water resources.
“Decisions are being made to suit the government’s political agenda, and in the long run Australians will pay a heavy price if we continue down this path,” Mr Moar said.
“I feel for the numerous communities which are being forced into increased flood risk, especially after what they have endured over the past two years.”
Federal Water Minister Tanya Plibersek said participating state governments can now bring forward proposals for new water saving infrastructure projects like irrigation network upgrades to further improve water efficiency and management, reduce water loss, and return water to the environment.
“The program forms part of a new draft blueprint on how the government will deliver the 450 Gl,” Ms Plibersek said.
“The draft blueprint outlines our plans for the voluntary water purchase and community support programs which we are now seeking feedback on.
“It also details the three key principles that will guide the delivery of the plan: enhancing environmental outcomes, minimising socio-economic impacts and achieving value for money.”
