The Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority (CMA) is disappointed by the Federal Government’s announcement to expand the non-strategic water buyback program in the Southern Murray Darling Basin.
The Federal Government’s announcement to increase the volume of water that may be purchased in the southern connected basin by an additional 130 GL is of particular concern for our catchment due to the increased pressure on the Goulburn River and the challenges of the narrows of the Murray River and Barmah.
The Goulburn Broken CMA has previously raised concerns about the inability to deliver the current volumes of water for the environment, through the Goulburn River in particular, without causing damage to the natural environment of the waterway.
The assumption that the Goulburn River can be used as a “channel” to meet the demands of the downstream system is flawed. As those responsible for representing the river and ensuring it continues to improve over time, we are extremely concerned.
We cannot accept that the environment of the Goulburn River can be sacrificed to meet outcomes further downstream. This has been our consistent message for more than 12 months but seems to have not been heard outside Victoria.
There is already enough water recovered from the Goulburn to meet local environmental objectives. More water purchase here will only increase pressure on this system.
The Goulburn Broken CMA is committed to ensuring the health of the Goulburn River and to protecting for future generations the prosperity of our regional community that depends on it.