As a South Australian irrigator, I have major concerns that the implementation of the proposed Murray-Darling Basin plan treats all South Australian stakeholders unfairly.
In its impact on the environment, the river system and irrigators, the plan has ignored the historical investment and responsible behaviour by South Australia.
Since 1969, South Australia has capped its extractions and invested heavily in environmental sustainability through salt interception schemes, and irrigation capital improvements such as efficient pumping infrastructure, converting open channels to pipelines and metered water extractions.
Many of the improvements have been completed with investment from local irrigators and without the current government funding opportunities.
While irrigation infrastructure upgrades in the eastern states will benefit the entire MDB, including South Australia, we are left with limited opportunity to make further water savings.
The plan must recognise South Australia’s historical respect for the Murray River environment and water resource.
The key asset owned by irrigators is their water entitlement.
This asset enables irrigators to maximise production of food and is used as security to borrow funds to even out cash flows during the year.
The plan makes statements in the supporting documents that security of water entitlements will not be reduced but this statement is not included in the draft legislation for the plan.
In recent years the SA Government has reduced the security of water entitlements and it is unclear of the direction of the plan.
Following the introduction of the plan, what confidence and security can I have as an irrigator into the future?
Can I expect my water entitlements to remain as one share equals 1 kilolitre, assuming South Australia receives its entitlement flow of 1850 gigalitres?
Water security and entitlements must continue to be what they were several years ago when their status supported investment decisions, ie. they must remain as one share equals 1 kilolitre, in every year that South Australia receives its entitlement flow.
This is everyone’s plan and will impact on everyone, whether you are an irrigator, you live in a Murray River community, or you live in the city.
With the proposed plan, Australian food production, integrity and security will be eroded.
I challenge all South Australians to have a voice and attend any community information forums to be held by the MDBA.
I, for one, am sick of getting a supposed "good hearing", when in fact no one is listening.
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