MRFF Chairman Michael Egan said MDBA’s successive rounds of water reform have reduced the amount of water available for productive agriculture as well as the local community.  

“Buybacks haven’t just impacted irrigators, they have been a social and economic disaster across the region. We’ve lost the productive capacity that fuels our community spirit and our prosperity,” Mr Egan said.

“The MDBA’s own analysis has shown that the socio-economic impacts of removing water from agricultural production have been significant in terms of job losses, but our group sees their estimate as too conservative. 

“Those of us who live and work here know that half the story isn’t being told because lost jobs mean we lose families, we lose businesses, our schools and daycares are impacted, and everyone feels that hit.”

The MDBA has made its recommendations from the Northern Basin Review to the Ministerial Council members, recommending a reduction of the Northern Basin recovery from 390 GL to 320 GL, with the Northern Basin still required to contribute 41 GL to the shared recovery, on top of the 279 GL already recovered.

So far, 83 GL of water has been recovered from the Macquarie Valley, above and beyond the legislated target of 65 GL, and dramatically higher than the 20 GL originally proposed in 2010.

Mr Egan argues the Macquarie Valley’s contribution of 83 GL is more than enough, urging decision-maker to restore balance to the debate.

“The amount of water taken from production has tipped the scales away from caring for our communities in the Macquarie Valley," he said.

“Simply sending more water down the Macquarie Marshes is not a long-term solution to achieving environmental outcomes while ensuring the longevity of our region.

“Our targets have been exceeded – it’s time for the water recovery to stop.”