Media Statement - 2nd July 2009
The
Parliamentary Secretary for Water, the Hon Dr Mike Kelly AM MP, yesterday
visited Moree and met with irrigation farmers' representatives and the Border
Rivers Gwydir Catchment Management Authority to discuss water management issues.
"The visit provided me with an opportunity to meet a range of people from the Gwydir Valley," Dr Kelly said.
"I appreciated this opportunity to discuss implementation of the Australian Government's irrigation investments and water purchase program, and the forthcoming Basin Plan and new sustainable diversion limits.
"I heard a wide range of ideas and views on the best ways to assist irrigation-dependent communities in the Murray-Darling Basin to adjust to a future with less water.
"I particularly valued my visit to the property of Mr Peter Glennie, a local cotton farmer."
The Rudd Government's $12.9 billion Water for the Future plan has a major investment focus on smoothing the transition to the new, lower limits on water use that can be expected under the Basin Plan when it comes into effect from 2011.
Dr Kelly also had the opportunity to discuss concerns held by Croppa Creek irrigators, who depend on water from the Great Artesian Basin.
For more information on Water for the Future, visit www.environment.gov.au/water