Residents from across the Griffith area are being encouraged to take part in a Basin Community Rally next Tuesday 21 November 2023.
The rally will form part of a series of simultaneous events held in regional Basin communities to oppose the rewrite of the Murray Darling Basin Plan, currently before the Federal Parliament.
Griffith Mayor, Councillor Doug Curran, said people in the community were furious about the prospect of further buybacks and the fact they hadn't been consulted.
"Our town has done its part and suffered the pain of buybacks already. Enough is enough," Councillor Curran said.
"Business and community confidence took a nose dive a decade ago when the Basin Plan landed. Real estate values fell, public and private investment dried up and Government agencies compounded the pessimism by projecting a 20% reduction in Griffith's population. This cannot be allowed to happen again."
National Farmers' Federation (NFF) President David Jochinke said the rallies were an important demonstration ahead of a vote on the Bill in the Senate in coming weeks.
"They've decided to completely rewrite the plan without setting foot in these towns to consult with people," Mr Jochinke said.
"This is by no means a done deal.
"We've got to come together and send a clear message that we can't just be sold down the river. This isn't just about the farmers, it's about workers, their families and everyone in these communi6es whose livelihoods depend on this water.
The Griffith Basin Community Rally will take place from 12 – 1pm on Tuesday, 21 November 2023 in Memorial Park. All of the community is encouraged to attend this important rally.
For details, visit the Council's Facebook page or nff.org.au.
