Helen Dalton MP “We must do better”

Member for Murray Helen Dalton MP has called on the federal government to adopt her seven-point plan to address what she sees as “real solutions” for the Murray Darling Basin.

“The Murray-Darling Basin deserves better than the Federal Government’s “just add water” approach,” Ms Dalton said. 

“Our communities, environment, and farmers need real solutions.” Dalton says her plan will “fix the system.”

She poses an immediate stop to water buybacks, that she says are hurting rural communities. 

Ms Dalton claims NSW and Victorian irrigators have halved their water use over the past 30 years, reducing diversions below the Murray Darling Basin Plan targets. 

Her plan would also address the unnatural management of SA’s Lower Lakes and protect the Coorong, see South Australia’s desalination plant used to create its own water supply.

Her plan calls for the implementation of consistent, accurate water metering and monitoring and focuses on water quality—tackling pollution, salinity, and invasive carp.

Dalton’s plan would see a ban on what she says are “devastating government-created floods on private properties” and expand storage capacity for a more reliable water supply.

“This plan prioritises fairness, sustainability, and common sense,” the outspoken independent member said. 

“It’s time for leadership that protects our way of life. 

“We demand the change that is necessary to hold the other states accountable and reduce the impact this will have on our community as a whole.

“We can—and must—do better.”