The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) has lodged its submission to the independent review of the Water Act 2007, calling for a modern, balanced framework that delivers environmental outcomes while achieving production outcomes.
NFF Water Committee Chair Malcolm Holm said the review was a chance to ensure Australia’s water laws are fit for purpose and reflect the lessons learned since the Act was introduced almost two decades ago.
“The Water Act has shaped the management of the Murray-Darling Basin for nearly 20 years. This review is an important opportunity to take stock of what’s worked, what’s not, and how we deliver better outcomes into the future,” Mr Holm said.
“Farmers support healthy rivers and healthy ecosystems. We rely on them. But a healthy Basin is not simply a question of adding more water.
“After years of reviews, reform and water recovery, it’s clear that future progress requires a more sophisticated approach based on outcomes, robust science and targeted action.”
The NFF submission argues future policy settings should move beyond a narrow focus on water recovery and instead prioritise measures that address the underlying drivers of environmental decline.
“Improved water quality, better management of invasive species such as carp, targeted environmental works, improved connectivity and smarter river operations have an important role to play,” Mr Holm said.
“These are the types of practical measures that can deliver environmental benefits without imposing further costs on Basin communities.”
The NFF submission also emphasises that the review must respect the primacy of States and Territories in water management and recognise their longstanding role in administering water resources and working directly with communities and water users.
It is also calling for greater weight to be given to socio-economic outcomes throughout the Act, including the establishment of a Social and Economic Resilience Plan, arguing that decisions affecting water management must properly account for impacts on regional communities, agricultural production, jobs and local economies alongside environmental considerations.
“Farmers and regional communities should have confidence that the consequences of policy decisions are being fully considered and fairly weighed in decision-making processes.”
Mr Holm said the review must also recognise the significant contribution already made by farming communities across the Basin.
“Basin communities have carried the burden of water reform over the past two decades.
“They have adapted, invested and continued producing food and fibre despite significant change and uncertainty. Any future reforms must acknowledge that contribution and avoid repeating mistakes that have had profound social and economic impacts.”
The NFF is also calling for greater emphasis on outcomes-based management, strong science and transparent decision-making.
“We need a framework that focuses on environmental outcomes rather than simply measuring success through water recovery volumes,” Mr Holm said.
“Farmers want confidence that decisions are based on robust evidence, clear objectives and a genuine assessment of what will achieve the best results for rivers, communities and Australia’s food bowl.”
The NFF said the review should align with other major water reform processes currently underway, including recommendations arising from the Murray-Darling Basin Authority Basin Plan Review and the Productivity Commission’s Inquiry into National Water Reform, to provide a coherent and consistent framework for future policy development.
It also said any future reforms must operate within established water entitlement frameworks and maintain the reliability of existing entitlements, providing certainty for water users, regional communities and investors and preserving confidence in existing property rights arrangements.
“This review is an opportunity to reset the conversation and build a framework that supports healthy river systems, productive agriculture and regional communities.”
“It is important that we get this right. Farmers deserve a fair and balanced system that delivers practical environmental outcomes while maintaining confidence in the future of agriculture and regional Australia,” Mr Holm said.
ENDS
NFF’s full submission can be found here.