Statement on NSW Alternatives to Buybacks Plan

Comments attributable to NFF President David Jochinke

We welcome the NSW Government’s ‘Alternatives to Buybacks Plan. It is good to see NSW continue to stand up for regional communities and push back on the Federal Minister’s pursuit of communitydestroying buybacks.

The success of this plan will depend entirely on whether Minister Plibersek is willing to engage collaboratively with her state counterparts to deliver win-win outcomes for the environment and communities.

So far this type of fexibility and collaboration has been in short supply, with the Minister giving communities the cold shoulder at every turn.

It is time for the Minister to bring onboard all Basin states toward a common objective.

The Minister has stated repeatedly that additional water recovery will be guided by the principles of enhancing environmental outcomes, minimising socio-economic impacts, and achieving value for money. The Minister must be held to account on her promises.

The Parliament made clear that all options should be on the table, yet there is still no policy for options such as leasing arrangements as an alternative to buybacks.

Buybacks appear to be priority number one. To date, the Government has not discussed or engaged on other solutions. This misalignment between action and rhetoric gives no confdence or certainty to Basin communities.

The ball is now in the Minister’s court. Communities are sick of the fnger pointing. They want to see alternatives to buybacks given genuine consideration, so that we can strengthen both the environment and communities.