As submissions open on the Murray-Darling Basin Plan Review, the Victorian Farmers Federation warns the decisions made now will echo through regional communities, farms and jobs for decades.
VFF Water Council Chair Andrew Leahy said the review represented a critical opportunity for Basin communities to influence future policy.
“This is one of the most important policy moments for our region in over a decade.”
“With submissions closing on Friday, May 1, now is the time to seize the opportunity to influence the development of Basin Plan Two, which will directly impact water availability, farm productivity, regional jobs and Australia’s food production.”
To support locals, the VFF has released a suite of online resources, including fact sheets and a simple submission template designed to make the process easier.
“If we want decisions that reflect the reality on the ground, we need people to speak up and share their experiences,” Mr Leahy said.
“It’s a real strength in numbers game.”
“We need as many people as possible to use the VFF template, add your own experience, and make a strong, practical submission before the deadline.”
Mr Leahy said submissions did not need to be technical to carry weight.
“The most powerful submissions are often the simplest,” he said.
“Talk about your connection to the Basin, what water means to your farm or business, and the impacts you’ve seen.”
“That real, lived experience is what decision-makers need to hear.”
The VFF says its fact sheets highlight the impacts of water buybacks and question the environmental benefits of further buybacks.
“We’re encouraging everyone to take a few minutes that could influence the Basin for many years,” Mr Leahy said.
“It’s critical that we get a strong, united response from the northern Victorian community and demonstrate that we matter and can make a real difference.”
Submissions close at 5pm AEST on Friday, May 1.
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