Butler: “It is time for an ICAC investigation to ensure that everyone in the Basin is following the same set of rules, regardless of whether they are a government agency or not.”

Member for Barwon Roy Butler MP has called for an Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) inquiry into use of environmental water at Toorale Station.

Toorale Station, located at the junction of the Warrego and Darling rivers in north-west NSW, is a former pastoral property that has been transformed into Toorale National Park and State Conservation Area.

“I have been raising my concerns about the management of water on Toorale for years and have never been satisfied with the information I have received back.,” Mr Butler said

“The stated intent of purchasing Toorale and having the Commonwealth manage the water is to increase the flows from the Warrego River into the Darling River.

“But, speaking with locals along the Warrgeo and Darling rivers, it is clear that a different set of rules is being applied to the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder.”

Mr Butler said he believes the process of updating water licenses appears to grant the federal water agency greater water entitlements than those held by similar license holders.

“The Warrego River downstream is now effectively regulated, which should require the Warrego to have a regulated river Water Sharing Plan,” he said

“The CEWH’s diversions to the Western Floodplain should be metered, with excess water being returned to the main river channel.

“The NSW and Commonwealth Governments have run processes that appear not to be available to their license holders.

“The rules need to be applied equally, or we risk losing confidence in our water laws and agencies.

“It is time for an ICAC investigation to ensure that everyone in the Basin is following the same set of rules, regardless of whether they are a government agency or not.”