The MRGC — which includes the Campaspe Shire Council — has called on water ministers for all basin governments to agree on a clear pathway for achieving the full 605 gigalitres worth of environmental benefits from the Sustainable Diversion Limit Adjustment Mechanism.
The group called for decisions to be made as part of this week's Basin Ministerial Council meeting, with a focus on SDLAM projects that are at risk of not being completed by 2024.
Rural City of Mildura Mayor Jason Modica, who is also chair of the MRGC, said there was serious concern across the area that parts of the project would not be completed before the previously set 2024 deadline.
“We know that some of the key projects are not going to be finished by the legislated deadline,” he said.
“As things stand, that means the Commonwealth will have to step in and recover thatshortfall by purchasing water rights from irrigators. That’s what the legislation requires. But(Federal Water) Minister (Keith) Pitt has said no more buy-backs, so what is the plan?
“We appreciate that the Commonwealth is pushing for the projects to be completed ontime and is encouraging the states to work faster, but the work needing to be done isscientifically detailed and requires careful discussion with affected communities.”
Cr Modica said community consultation was essential to achieving the goals of the plan.
“Minister Pitt has talked about putting communities at the heart of basin plan delivery, which is exactly the right thing to do,” he said.
“That means taking the time to consult and listen. Communities are calling for certainty.
“No-one knows what will happen if a project is withdrawn because it can’t meet communityexpectations, or if the science needs more detail, or if works just can’t be completed by2024.
“This issue needs to be resolved and now is the time.”
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