Dear Editor
It was interesting to read how National MPs are calling for changes to the Murray-Darling Basin Plan and water management, as reported in the Country News (Tuesday June 30).
Federal politicians Damian Drum, Bridget McKenzie and Anne Webster, along with Victoria’s shadow Water Minister Stephanie Ryan, want the MDBA split up (which should be a no-brainer) and the 450GL ‘upwater’ scrapped (likewise).
I’m sure this group appreciates that the strength of their party in part of its once traditional heartland is under serious threat from local people who are fed up with lack of effective representation.
However, in the same article the president of Northern Victorian Irrigation Communities, Dudley Bryant, hit the nail on the head when he stated, “They are actually in power and need to do something about it. They are as weak as water. All they are doing is playing politics and we are the losers.”
So, when will this party, which so many of us in regional Australia have in the past acknowledged as our representation at state and federal level, wake up to its failings?
I do not believe this will happen until the Nationals, under the weak leadership of Michael McCormack, stop pandering to the Liberals and instead protect their traditional heartland. Unfortunately, many of us have lost trust in their ability to effectively represent our needs.
Never is this more evident than in water policy where, in the words of Mr Drum, Liberal Party votes in Adelaide are deemed more important. This is prioritised over protecting the National Party heartland despite the massive economic cost to our nation from lost food production.
If McCormack had the courage to stand up and be counted on this vital issue, he might realise, to his surprise, that the support for his party that is currently being eaten away by minor parties and independents, may suddenly be reinvigorated.
He will continue on the present course at his peril, as well as that of his century-old party.
Yours faithfully
Doug Fehring Cohuna
