As part of its 'Advocating for a Brighter Tomorrow' federal election advocacy campaign, Campaspe Shire Council is calling on the next Australian Government to ensure fair, direct and timely compensation to any Campaspe community impacted by the Federal Government's water purchasing program.
Campaspe Shire Council Mayor Cr Daniel Mackrell said council is once again advocating strongly to protect communities against the projected negative socio-economic consequences of the government's open market water purchasing program underway.
'Based on research, our past experiences and what the government's own document tells us, negative impacts of water buybacks on our agricultural and food manufacturing sectors as well as on businesses, families and whole communities are likely to occur,' Cr Mackrell said.
The Australian Government's Program Overview: Sustainable Communities Program report acknowledges that "While the Basin Plan delivers substantial benefits and the Basin economy and agriculture sector has grown over the last decade of water reforms, there have been variable outcomes in different communities and lived experience of socioeconomic impacts".
'Our advocacy aims to gain assurance from the incoming federal government that any Campaspe community negatively impacted by the government's water purchasing program, such as suffering job losses, business downturn and/or reduced social participation levels, will receive fair, direct and timely adjustment assistance.
'Our irrigation communities and the multiple industries and economies that rely on them, would be at risk if not appropriately and adequately supported in the transition process.
'Business downturn and job losses create a ripple effect on the social fabric of communities.
'That's why it's vital that the incoming Australian Government compensates communities before any negative socio-economic impacts take hold so our communities can continue to thrive and prosper.'
