Water Debate Turns Sour

11 September 2002

"The lack of understanding of the real environmental issues in the Murrumbidgee Catchment by those who speak for the environmental movement continues to be a major concern," said Geoff Hipkins, Chief Executive of Murrumbidgee Irrigation.

Responding to the Nature Conservation Council of NSW Mr Hipkins said, "the savings made under the Snowy Murray deal and future savings for the Murray, if managed correctly, will greatly increase the end of the system flow in the Murrumbidgee.

We support the consultative process used to develop the draft Murrumbidgee River Water Sharing Plan. As with any consultative process, it's about negotiating to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes.

It's irresponsible of the Nature Conservation Council to adopt scare-mongering tactics because their limited vision of the water management process was not adopted by the Committee. The claim that the Murrumbidgee River has been 'flogged to within an inch of its life' is clearly an emotive, unfounded argument being used as a last minute attempt to sway the public and pressure the Government."

Mr Hipkins said, "in 1912, when the MIA was first opened to irrigation, salinity was a problem. It is a problem that has been managed over the past 90 years and will continue to be managed into the future. New technology is a major contributor to the water savings generated for the environment and is also assisting in the management of salinity. To suggest that the irrigation industry is poisoning itself typified a naive understanding of salinity issues.

It appears the greatest threat facing irrigators at present is the radical, unworkable practices being proposed by some members of the so called 'green' community. It's true local industries are dependent on the river, they are also, to a greater extent dependent on sustainable irrigated agriculture. Taking water from farmers to return to the river will have the effect of decimating local industries and regional viability."

"The solution lies in the consultative process," said Mr Hipkins, "we must work together to find solution that will meet all our needs. At Murrumbidgee Irrigation we envisage a strong contribution to river health from water efficiency savings. The benefit of these savings to the environment and health of the river will be determined by sound water management practices."

ends

For further information contact: Geoff Hipkins, Chief Executive, phone: 6953 0100

Issued in response to the Nature Conservation Council of NSW's release on 02/09/02