The Independent Assessment of Social and Economic Conditions in the Basin, led by Robbie Sefton, released a draft report last week.
“As a panel, we were disheartened to see communities at a crossroads, despite countless studies, reviews and inquiries,” the report stated.
“We heard from people caught in a one-way conversation — over-consulted and under-listened to.”
VFF Water Council chair, Richard Anderson said “Whilst the report acknowledged the severe social and economic hardship faced by rural communities, it failed to make much needed recommendations to give irrigators certainty about their future.
“The report fails to clearly recommend that there should be no further buybacks and fails to rule out recovery of the 450GL of up water. Instead the report lamely recommends the ‘slowing’ of water recovery.”
The panel is seeking public submissions on the draft report by April 20.
Federal Water Minister, Keith Pitt said “People were “consulted out” by the 40 reports and inquiries into the basin plan.
“It’s now about making decisions which are the right decisions and supporting those communities.”
People can read the report on the panel’s website, https://www.basin-socio-economic.com.au/
