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Water: greed over good governance

By Bruce Haigh - posted Wednesday, 9 July 2008


The government needs to show leadership with respect to this powerful interest group.

Some irrigators do not see the crisis in terms of the national interest. They are desperate and look to government for help until the crisis eases. It might not, but the government would be wise not to put them on the scrap heap, particularly where they have a great deal of knowledge in the production of food.

However some irrigators are attempting to shut the door after the horse has bolted. They have had years in which to make their point and make adjustments. The Northern Basin Alliance of NSW argues a case that the Northern Basin which includes the Namoi Valley Catchment should be removed from the jurisdiction and control of the Murray Darling Basin Authority. They want a Northern Basin Commissioner to manage the Darling River and its tributaries.

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The work of the new Murray/Darling Basin Authority is not going to be easy. It will need to be given enforceable powers to coerce where mediation fails.

The authority is likely to assume control of much that is currently controlled by local and state governments in the Basin, brought about by the need to regulate the flow and quality of water in the Murray/Darling River System. This in itself might over ride some previous rights to hold and divert water in the Basin and in some instances the hoarding of water licences and entitlements against future profit.

The authority is likely to have to balance the needs of the environment, farmers and irrigators against those of miners, such as the dispute on the Liverpool Plains, which if the miners get their way could ruin valuable farming land and vital ground water. It will need to have courage, wit and wisdom and some powerful legislation in order to fulfil its mandate.

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About the Author

Bruce Haigh is a political commentator and retired diplomat who served in Pakistan and Afghanistan in 1972-73 and 1986-88, and in South Africa from 1976-1979

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