Edward River Council Hails Water Inquiry in Deniliquin
Edward River Council has welcomed the opportunity to present at the Committee on Investment, Industry and Regional Development’s inquiry into the impacts of the Water Amendment (Restoring Our Rivers) Act 2023, held in Deniliquin at the Town Hall yesterday.
The hearing brought together a diverse range of voices from across the region, including local government, business, agriculture, Indigenous organisations and environmental groups.
Mayor Ashley Hall applauded the Inquiry as a vital platform for regional communities to be heard. “We are grateful the Committee came to Deniliquin to hear firsthand the real impacts of water policy on our people, our economy and our environment,” Mayor Hall said.
“There was a clear and united message: simply buying back more water is not the solution. Our region cannot survive without the flow of irrigation. We need smarter, more collaborative approaches that protect both our rivers and our communities; and that give us all a real seat at the table.”
The Inquiry focused on the implications of reintroducing water buybacks, the risks to achieving legislative outcomes such as reducing unlicensed taking of water, and the effects of environmental water rules and rules-based changes in NSW. Presenters also discussed options to improve government programs aimed at offsetting the impacts of buybacks.
Edward River Council CEO Jack Bond emphasised the importance of balancing environmental goals with economic and social sustainability.
“We support healthy rivers, but not at the cost of our food security, our irrigation communities, and the livelihoods of our farmers, businesses and workers,” Mr Bond said.
“We’re optimistic that the feedback provided by Council and all of the representatives at this Inquiry will help shape future policy that is fair, evidence-based, and responsive to the needs of regional NSW.”
Edward River Council thanks the Committee for its engagement and urges the NSW Government to take a strong stance in future negotiations with the Commonwealth.
Edward River Council remains committed to advocating for solutions that work for both the environment and the people who depend on it.
https://www.edwardriver.nsw.gov.au/Council/News/Media-Releases/Edward-River-Council-Welcomes-Water-Inquiry-to-Deniliquin