ACF has welcomed reports that Federal Labor has agreed to support moves to remove the 1500 gigalitre cap on water buybacks in the Murray-Darling Basin.
The Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF) has welcomed reports that Federal Labor has agreed to support moves to remove the 1500 gigalitre cap on water buybacks in the Murray-Darling Basin.
“We commend Labor and the Greens for taking this positive step towards healthier rivers, wetlands and wildlife in the Murray-Darling Basin,” said ACF’s Nature Policy Analyst, James Trezise.
“The sight of more than a million dead fish in the Darling River system this summer has been a shocking reminder that the present arrangements for managing the Murray-Darling Basin are failing to protect our unique places and wildlife – and communities throughout the Basin that need a healthy river to survive.
“ACF welcomes moves by the Greens and Labor to remove the cap that stops willing sellers from returning water to the environment and we call on the Coalition to support these moves too.
“It has been shown time and time again that purchasing water from willing sellers is the most effective and efficient way to return water to our rivers and wetlands.
“Governments across the Basin need to cooperate to ease river system constraints and get out of the way of farmers who want to sell their water back to the environment, so that water can be used effectively for the benefit of all.”
