RIVERLAND irrigator Humphrey Howie, Renmark, believes the top priority for River Murray water users and state and federal governments should be securing strong environmental flows in the river for years to come.
As legislation to cap water buybacks under the Murray-Darling Basin plan at 1500 gigalitres went before federal parliament, the Renmark Irrigation Trust director and owner of Fat Goose Fruits urged stakeholders not to lose sight of the bigger picture - returning 3200gL to the river system.
"I'm happy for them to put a cap in place as long as it doesn't damage the Murray-Darling Basin Agreement which was previously negotiated," Me Humphrey said.
"I think there needs to be a balanced approach - the river deserves water.
He said the government's move to return water to the river through buybacks, infrastructure improvements and efficiency gains should help reach the intended target.
"Certainly there needs to be water bought for environmental watering, but I think there needs to be structural changes in the system that allow for better delivery of that water," he said.
