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Loddon HERALD Vol 4 No 26, THURSDAY JULY 11, 2024 ISSN 2653-1550
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BUYBACKS START Irrigators hold ‘crisis’ talks on water future
MAJOR Loddon irrigators were meeting in Boort yesterday morning as the Federal Government starts its water entitlement buyback of 70 gigalitres.
Farmers started receiving text messages and emails on the tender buyback offer from the Government within hours last Thursday’s announcement The meeting was expected to discuss the impact reduced entitlements will have on Loddon rural enterprises and communities and price volatility across the Murray Darling basin in future drought years. From a peak available water right of 233,000 megalitres, farmers in the Boort and Pyramid Hill districts have access to only 110,000 megalitres. Local farmers say they have already implemented water-saving efficiencies and fear further loss of water entitlements will hit agricultural productivity and increase commodity prices. Loddon Shire’s Boort Ward councillor Neil Beattie said temporary water right purchases in dry times would become unaffordable for farmers. Not-for-profit water broker Water Partners says it will be irrigators who lose water under
By CHRIS EARL
the Government’s plan to divert more water for environmental flows. General manager Donna Mulcahy expects a shortfall of water for farmers will be created with concerns for the dairy industry. “The age demographic in the dairy sector is high. If people have to pay high prices for land and water is not attached, it will be another detrimental effect on dairy, realistically making it harder to go into the sector,” she said. Ms Mulcahy said buybacks were to have had a socio-economic test applied. “But that’s been somewhat reduced in the legislation,” she said. “I don’t how some communities and industries will survive.” Water industry veteran and broker Lawrence Cameron, of Boort, said the scale of agricultural operations might need to expand, placing more pressure on country communities. “Many are already struggling to get players for their sporting teams. Buybacks will have a big impact not only on irrigators but communities as well,” Mr Cameron said.
MORE REPORTS - PAGE 4
INDIGENOUS CULTURE Jane Gould, of Mysia, admires the work of Aboriginal artist and weaver Stephanie Taylor whose exhibition opened in Inglewood Town Hall on Sunday to mark the start of NAIDOC week celebrations in the Loddon Shire. The day included a smoking ceremony and art workshops. LH PHOTO
55 Laanecoorie-Newbridge Road Newbridge Landmark Irrigation Farmlet “Home Block”- Comprising 12.14 Hectares equalling 30.17 Acres. 10.117 Hectares/ 25 Acres lasered irrigation 5 Mega Litres stock & domestic and dam water right Lovely “Loddon River Flats” In 4 paddocks plus house yard Improvements: Modern 1974 built family brick veneer home, 3 bedrooms (2 with Built in robes). Large kitchen/ dining area, all electric cooking, dishwasher. Bathroom, separate toilet and laundry. Single car garage and store room. 49,500 Litre inground tank. Vegetable gardens. Steel frame shed 17m X 9m with power and cement floor. Marvelous family lifestyle property in excellent condition in the heart of Newbridge. Price: $1,650,000.00 FP NEVINS DOES NOT WARRANT THE ACCURACY OR COMPLETENESS OF THE INFORMATION CONTAINED ABOVE