Helen Dalton expressed deep concern over the Federal and State governments' water policies, warning of their potential to devastate our communities.

The latest threat to the southern basin comes from the NSW government's announcement of a staggering 184% increase in water charges by 2029. This means the cost of a megalitre of NSW Murray general security water will skyrocket from $14.60 in 2024 to a staggering $41.45 by 2029.

Farmers are facing unsustainable costs that threaten our ability to produce food for both Australia and the global market. These exorbitant costs could lead to business closures, job losses, and the destruction of rural communities. In financial terms, an estimated $23 million will be drained annually from the Riverina alone, putting our nation's food security at risk.

“In a failed attempt to hide the devastation her water buybacks are causing, Federal Water Minister, Tanya Plibersek, has announcement a paltry one-off $160 million in hush money for Murray–Darling Basin communities. (She calls it compensation, but we all know what this money really is.)” Dalton speaks out.

The Murray River Basin contributes $30 billion annually to the Australian economy.

Dalton is concerned The Water Minister's proposed water buybacks threaten to destroy this $30 billion industry. “The Minister ignores important issues like water quality.” She states.

A staggering 375 million carp infest the Murray-Darling Basin, accounting for 90% of the river's biomass. These invasive fish pose a significant threat to the ecosystem and must be eradicated immediately.

“I will continue to fight for our community in 2025 and I am looking forward to continuing to make Murray an even better place to live in the new year, and beyond.” Dalton pleads.