Griffith City Council is calling on residents to unite in support of a critical petition led by Mrs Helen Dalton MP, the local member for Murray, which seeks to protect regional and remote communities from the potentially devastating impacts of Commonwealth Water Buybacks.
The petition must be debated in Parliament if supported by at least 10,000 signatures. The petition urges the NSW Government to ensure that no water transfers occur without a detailed and transparent report into the expected impacts of any Commonwealth buybacks. This report must cover the potential economic, social, cultural, and environmental consequences of diverting water resources away from local communities.
Griffith City Council General Manager, Brett Stonestreet, emphasised the importance of community action in this matter. "Water is the lifeblood of our region, and the potential impacts of Commonwealth Water Buybacks on our local communities could be severe. We need to ensure that any decisions made are fully informed by a thorough and transparent analysis of the consequences," Mr Stonestreet said.
He further called upon the community to rally together. "This petition is our opportunity to show a united front against water buybacks. By signing, we can make sure our rural voices are heard in Parliament and protect the future of our communities. I urge everyone to support this cause by adding their name to the petition."
The petition can be signed in the Council main office on Benerembah Street or at the Griffith City Library. A copy can be downloaded here too and filled in by hand and dropped off at Council.
An informative video by Helen Dalton explains the complexities of water buybacks and their potential impacts. View the video here: https://vimeo.com/941456567
Griffith City Council strongly urges all residents to sign the petition and stand up for the protection of their water resources. Your signature could make a significant difference in ensuring that our issues are heard and addressed at the highest levels of government.
