“It (water buybacks) just rips the heart out of communities” Helen Dalton

Member for Murray Helen Dalton (above) is celebrating the recent passing of her water register bill in the NSW Parliament, but says there is still a long way to go to protect farmers.

Mrs Dalton wants the NSW Government to take a stand against the Federal Government’s move to take productive water from regions under the Murray-Darling Basin Plan using the water buyback scheme.

A petition organised by Ms Dalton needs 10,000 signatures, and Ms Dalton said she’s got just over 5000 so far.

“Water buybacks will destroy our communities,” the independent Member for Murray said.

“10,000 signatures will bring on debate in NSW parliament. Rope in your mates and city cousins and ask them to help.”

The petition calls for protections for regional and remote communities from the potential impacts of Commonwealth buybacks.

It calls on the NSW Government to ensure that no water transfers occur without a detailed and transparent report into the expected impact of any Commonwealth buybacks, including the potential economic, social, cultural, and environmental consequences of water resources being diverted away from local communities.

“We, the undersigned, are deeply concerned about the potential transfer of water resources from NSW's rural and remote communities to the Commonwealth,” the petition states.

“We urge the NSW Government to ensure that no water transfers occur until a detailed and transparent report into the expected impact of any Commonwealth buybacks is conducted.”

Ms Dalton says the report should assess the potential economic losses these communities may face if water resources are diverted, and evaluate the social and cultural importance of water to local communities, including indigenous communities, in supporting livelihoods, health, and cultural practices.

She is calling for the report to assess the environmental implications of water transfers on local ecosystems, and biodiversity, and engage in transparent consultation with affected communities to address concerns regarding water management.

Copies of the paper-based petition can be requested from Helen Dalton’s offices in Griffith (02 6962 6644) or Deniliquin (03 5881 7034) or by emailing [email protected]