BASIN REPORT VINDICATES LOCAL MP
03-June-2011
In welcoming the the release of a Parliamentary Inquiry report into the social and economic impacts of the Guide to the Draft Murray Darling Basin Plan, Sophie Mirabella MP, Federal Member for Indi has said the report vindicates her stance on the Murray Darling Basin Plan, noting that the report supports key elements of her submission to the Parliamentary Inquiry.
“The report highlights the fact that irrigation infrastructure upgrades can provide more water for the environment, without the need to destroy communities, which is what the Coalition has been saying all along” said Mrs Mirabella.
“Up until now, Labor has been putting all their eggs in the buy-back basket and has drastically underspent the irrigation infrastructure budget that the Howard Government set aside. This report is proof that Labor has failed.”
Mrs Mirabella says basin communities will be watching the Government very closely to ensure Labor acts on the recommendations of the report.
“The Government has a moral imperative to ensure that these recommendations are adopted and not used as another delay tactic or expensive PR exercise. The longer Labor procrastinates, the greater the uncertainty for irrigators. Basin communities, especially North East Basin communities need certainty. Agricultural investment has dried up ever since the Guide to the Draft Plan was released in October last year. I am sure locals will want the Government to act in implementing the recommendations from this report.
“This will be a true test for Labor. Will they stand up for farmers and regional communities in the face of Green opposition to this report? What is more important for Labor, support from The Greens, or support for regional Australia?” Mrs Mirabella concluded.