Mond

Friday, 11 August 2006

NATIONALS WATER POLICY SUPPORTS UPPER CATCHMENT FARMERS

Lower costs, less bureaucracy and less restrictions on building farm dams in the upper catchment are key aspects of The Nationals Water Policy.

Bill Sykes, Nationals Member for Benalla, welcomed the policy which he says brings common sense to water management and recognises that upper catchment land holders have been disadvantaged by the implementation of farm dams legislation.

Dr Sykes said, “Three key issues with the Water (Irrigation Farm Dams) Act are the cost of water, the all embracing definition of a waterway and the confusion and lack of consistency between the various agencies administering farm dams related legislation.

“I have worked closely with North East Victorian Farm Dam advocates for three years. About 18 months ago I initiated and chaired a meeting between concerned upper catchment land holders and Goulburn Murray Water.

“Outcomes of this meeting included resolution of a number of specific issues for individual land holders and a workshop for land holders and earth moving contractors to identify and resolve problems of implementation of the legislation.

“Bill Baxter, Nationals Upper House Representative for North East Province and Chair of the committee which produced the Baxter Report, is adamant that the current all embracing interpretation of what constitutes a waterway far exceeds the intent of Parliament when the Water (Irrigation Farm Dams) Act was passed in 2002.

“Farm Dams should be able to be constructed where appropriate (including sites currently defined as being a waterway) providing that a stream flow management plan demonstrates that there is sufficient yield in the catchment to do so.

“The issue of cost of water is addressed by The Nationals policy of substituting medium security water for high security water, the cost of which will be less and medium security more accurately reflects the true water security situation in North East Victoria.”

The Nationals believe that sensible implementation of the current legislation can result in a fair deal for upper catchment land holders.

The Nationals are adamant that they will not countenance further restrictions on the construction of domestic and stock dams for farmers or the reduction of long standing rights to such water.

Copies of The Nationals Water Policy are available from Dr Sykes’ office, ph: 5762 2100 or from The Nationals website www.vic.nationals.org.au after 28 August 2006.

Media contact: Bill Sykes (03) 5762 2100 or 0427 624 989