Coalition proposes improvements to new Murray-Darling Water Bill

Coalition Senators will propose a series of constructive amendments to the Rudd Government's Water Amendment Bill 2008, according to Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Water Resources and Conservation, Senator Fiona Nash. The Water Amendment Bill 2008 amends the Water Act 2007 by giving effect to the July 2008 Intergovernmental Agreement on Murray-Darling Basin Reform. “Water reform realised by the Water Act 2007 was an initiative of the former Coalition Government, which recognised the need to change the management of the water resources within the Basin,” Senator Nash said. “We broadly support the intent of the Water Amendment Bill 2008, but the Bill should be improved with the adoption of a number of amendments: 1. Community Impact Statements for water purchases - to assess the impact on affected communities 2. Structural adjustment assistance package for affected communities - to ensure Basin communities don't bear an unreasonable share of the pain for the national reform. 3. Set targets for water to be saved from on-farm and off-farm infrastructure projects - to ensure balance between the water buy-back scheme and irrigation efficiencies. The Government has prioritised 'easy' water buy-backs over more effective 'win-win' efficiency infrastructure. Infrastructure delivers a better outcome to local communities and Australia's food security. 4. Full disclosure process to ensure that Commonwealth water purchases are fully transparent with regards to price, volume, security and location - to ensure Commonwealth investment in water savings is as effective and efficient as possible. 5. Stop the North-South Pipeline - no water should be removed from the Basin for urban water needs, all water savings should remain in the Basin to ensure future sustainability. 6. Clear definition of ‘critical human needs’ - to deliver certainty, transparency, fairness. “Coalition Senators believe these amendments not only don’t thwart the purpose of the Government’s legislation, but are essential to make it effective,” Senator Nash concluded. Contact: Murray Lees, media adviser, 0447 34 00 25

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