Fed: Farmers question focus on water buybacks

AAP General News (Australia)
04-29-2008
Fed: Farmers question focus on water buybacks

Farmers are concerned the federal government's three billion dollar irrigation water
buyback will slash food production and threaten rural communities.

Water Minister PENNY WONG has announced today the government will purchase water rights
from irrigators .. as part of a 10-year 13 billion dollar plan to secure the nation's
water.

But Irrigation Australia Limited says the plan puts too much emphasis on purchasing
water rights and not enough on improving irrigation efficiency.

IAL national chair STEPHEN MILLS says on-farm savings can potentially deliver much
more water to the environment than the purchase of water rights.

And opposition water security spokesman JOHN COBB says the move will drive up food
prices by cutting agricultural production.

AAP RTV pw/sb/crh/af

KEYWORD: WATER (CANBERRA)

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