Finley farmer and NFF water committee chair Malcolm Holm said the Federal Government needed to seriously consider these ideas as a priority.
“We’ve collaborated with representative groups up and down the basin to compile an array of innovative proposals that would deliver the Murray-Darling Basin Plan without resorting to buybacks,” Mr Holm said.
“These projects include precision water management technologies, and innovative water storage solutions.”
Mr Holm said the suite of options proved that the plan could be delivered without resorting to buybacks.
“We can deliver every drop of the basin plan targets without taking the lazy option of buybacks.
“Today we’ve proven the point by putting 1000 Gl of potential projects on the table.
“Until these have received serious assessment, it would be senseless to consider buybacks.
“We know what buybacks do to communities. We’ve seen it already and we don’t want to see it again. These basin communities have been through enough.”
In a submission to Federal Water Minister Tanya Plibersek lodged last week, the NFF has called for sustainable and practical initiatives that ensure minimal impact on agricultural productivity.
“By embracing these innovative projects, the government can strike a balance between effective water resource management and the needs of farmers and regional communities,” the NFF said.
“The logical next step is to set up an inclusive and robust process to consult with landholders and communities about these project options.”
