Irrigator groups along the New South Wales-Victorian border have joined to write a vision, for region’s future.
The recently formed Murray Group comprises representatives of Southern Riverina Irrigators, Murray Valley Private Diverters and Murray Irrigation Ltd.
Murray Group spokesperson Shelley Scoullar said she had worked with members to establish a draft document, which addressed agricultural productivity, innovation and ecological outcomes.
It outlined a vision for the region ‘where food production, environment and communities thrive together’.
“This is an exciting proposal and we are confident of getting strong commitment from food producing groups and local government in our region,” Ms Scoullar said.
“All we need to make the vision a reality is government recognition of the value and future potential of the region, coupled with policy setting to maximise and enhance opportunities. “
Ms Scoullar said she was confident of getting governments, at various levels, on board.
We need them to believe in the benefits of a fresh approach and give support to encourage others to invest in our vision,” Mrs Scoullar said.
She said the region had faced policy instability in the past, leading to uncertainty and loss of confidence.
“This in turn sees investment directed elsewhere and the loss of local experts in land and water management. It also discourages the next generation from pursuing careers in agriculture or locally based natural resource management
“As a region we want to be empowered to effectively influence environmental policies as they affect the agricultural sector. “
She said this included water policy and improving the understanding of how the environment and food production, could co-exist and compliment each other.
Mrs Scoullar said the Murray-Darling Basin Plan was not going anywhere, as, in its current form, it was not working.
“We we need to work collaboratively for the benefit of the environment and agriculture,” she said.
“It is also time to get serious about the social and economic consequences and make common-sense adjustments to water policy so we can have both environmental outcomes and agricultural production,” Mrs Scoullar said.
She added the food producing sector in the NSW Murray region wanted political leadership that started pushing through barriers to achieving solutions, a process that simply should not be as difficult as it had become.
“We have innovative, efficient and passionate farmers and community members who are thirsty to unlock the potential in our region.
“We need a renewed approach by governments to recognise this potential, with the support of policies that build growth and agricultural productivity so this region can continue to grow and prosper.
“This will bring stability to our communities, creating investment and employment opportunities as well as future education and training prospects.
“Importantly, a fresh approach to Australia’s natural resource policies in rural areas can enable the formation of effective partnerships that will deliver sustained environmental outcomes.
“We need a fresh focus on building strong foundations with local communities, which can help Government deliver on goals for the environment, while maintaining or improving regional productivity.
