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Thursday, 27 March 2008 Ricegrowers’ Association of Australia Inc (RGA) today cautiously welcomed yesterday’s COAG agreement on a Murray-Darling Basin Reform Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to progress the National Plan for Water Security. “Agreement by COAG to the MOU finally breaks the deadlock on moving forward to implement the National Plan for Water Security and accelerate implementation of the National Water Initiative (NWI) water reforms, said Mr Les Gordon, President The most significant issue for rice growers is agreement by the Commonwealth to close the “gap” on the risk assignment provisions described in the NWI and the commencement of Commonwealth compensation under the Water Act 2007 for changes to water entitlements because of new scientific knowledge. “RGA is delighted that the Commonwealth has agreed not only to bring forward its compensation for changes as a result of new knowledge to 2014 but it will also pick up the State’s obligations in this regard, “The agreement of COAG to retain the existing State water shares is also an important acknowledgement of the rights of all water entitlement holders, including entitlements held by the State and Commonwealth Governments for the environment, said Mr Gordon. “COAG’s agreement for a merger of the MDBC into the new Murray-Darling Basin Authority is a practical and sensible solution for improved governance arrangements for the Basin, Mr Gordon said. The MOU outlines a number of areas identified for further work, particularly before July 2008 and RGA looks forward to working with the NSW and Commonwealth Governments to progress these areas. “This is the beginning of a process for better management of the Murray-Darling Basin, and irrigated agriculture, as a major stakeholder, has an important role going forward. RGA welcomes the undertaking by COAG that there is consultation on the MOU ahead of the next COAG meeting in July 2008”, concluded Mr Gordon. CONTACT |
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