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PM's $500m bid to save river system
25 Aug 2003
The Prime Minister will put a $500 million rescue package for the Murray-Darling river system to premiers this week. Most of the money would be used to buy excess water from farmers and irrigators to put back into the river system over the next five years. The proposal would require NSW, Victoria and South Australia to each match the Federal Government's $125 million contribution. Some of the money would be spent on developing more sustainable irrigation technology and some would go to scientific research aimed at improving water use.
Agreement on the package would be an important first step towards a national water policy. This would include recognition of water rights, establishing a regulated market for the trading of those rights between farmers, and a scheme for compensating farmers for lost rights.
The states have reacted positively but are likely to argue about funding when the proposal is put to the Council of Australian Governments this Friday. The issue of who pays farmers for lost water rights is still the main sticking point, with the states arguing they should not have to shoulder the bill.
Sydney Morning Herald, 25/8/03.
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