The National Farmers’ Federation says today’s release of the Murray-Darling Basin Authority’s What We Heard Report confirms water buybacks have already gone too far and must now be brought to an end.
While the report captures stakeholder feedback and will inform the next phase of Basin Plan reform, it does not set policy direction.
NFF Water Committee Chair Malcolm Holm said the findings echoed what farmers and communities had been consistently raising.
“It’s clear Basin communities are deeply concerned about buybacks, ongoing uncertainty, and the impacts on regional economies,” Mr Holm said.
“Farmers have already given more than their fair share. It is more than enough, more than can be usefully used, more than was necessary, and more than Basin communities should have had to bear.”
Mr Holm said the focus must now shift to getting better outcomes from the water already recovered.
“The conversation cannot continue to centre on acquiring more water. It must be about how we deliver real environmental outcomes with what we have.
“That includes tackling long-standing issues like carp, which continue to undermine river health and water quality, along with investment in infrastructure and fish passage.”
Mr Holm said there remained concern that farmers and food production were not being adequately prioritised in the broader discussion.
“This is one of Australia’s most important food-producing regions. If we don’t properly recognise the role of agriculture, we risk undermining both regional communities and national food security.
“We welcome the report’s acknowledgement of a missing agricultural narrative, and that must be addressed in the next phase.”
Mr Holm said the NFF will continue to engage constructively in the Basin Plan review process.
“But our position remains clear: no more buybacks. The focus must be on smarter, balanced Basin management that supports the environment and the communities that depend on it.”
Stacey Davidson