Consultation on efficiency measures: Additional criteria for on-farm projects

The NFF’s submission raises two concerns: the consultation process and the questions related to additional criteria. The consultation is critical process in addressing concerns related to the implementation of the 450 GL efficiency measures. However, to date, the consultation process has been inadequate, superficial, and has not addressed community concern, but rather has fostered community distrust. This consultation was the first time for many communities to voice their concerns to the Government. Before any recovery of the 450 GL, the criteria must: be strengthened and extended to all projects; assess socio-economic impacts on a local, regional and basin level, recognising that any loss in the consumptive pool cannot be recovered; and off-farm projects should be pursued.