The National Farmers' Federation has expressed profound disappointment and frustration at the Federal Government's ongoing neglect in safeguarding the Great Artesian Basin (GAB), one of Australia's most vital groundwater resources.
As AgForce prepares to bring its case before the Federal Court next month, the Government has questioned the agricultural organisation's right to take legal action.
NFF President David Jochinke said not only was AgForce now fighting not only for environmental security, but also for the fundamental right to represent its members.
"Despite years of concerted efforts by AgForce and other organisations to secure adequate protections for the GAB, the Federal Government has chosen to question the legitimacy of AgForce's legal actions rather than address the urgent need for environmental safeguards.
"This approach is not only dismissive but poses a significant risk to food security, community wellbeing and the environment.
"The Government's focus should be on protecting this water resource, not playing legal and political games.
"The future of inland Australia, its industries and its communities are at stake. The NFF stands with AgForce and these communities in the fight to protect the GAB.
"With a Senate Committee this week recommending stricter state and federal protections for the GAB, it's time to see some action.
"We call on the Federal Government to prioritise the protection of this precious resource and fulfill its responsibilities to the environment and the agricultural community."
Background
The Great Artesian Basin spans nearly 1.7 million square kilometers across Queensland, Northern Territory, South Australia and Queensland.
It is Australia's biggest underground water resource and the lifeblood for numerous producers and local communities, providing essential water for agriculture, livestock and daily living.
Mining giant Glencore is proposing to inject coal mine waste into the GAB as a part of a carbon capture and storage trial.
AgForce is seeking to revoke the federal decision that Glencore's proposal was not a controlled action, a decision made on 9 February 2022 under the EPBC Act.
