Farmers fear more red tape on the way, with NSW Government
launching new water review
The state’s largest farming organisation is
warning government against introducing more red tape for farmers with a new
review into stock and domestic water rights getting underway.
The Department of Planning and Environment is conducting a review of stock and
domestic water rights saying it wants to know more about how water is being
extracted by farmers and whether changes are needed to the ways its regulated.
President of the NSW Water Taskforce, Richard Bootle, is urging the NSW
Government to remember the basic right for landholders to access water is
absolutely essential.
“While urban citizens have water delivered to their kitchens, in the country
the basic human right to supply of quality water is now being examined.
“Since this important right was introduced, farming has evolved in its needs,
but the basic right to an adequate supply of water for normal operations must
continue.
“This right is not about irrigation or broad scale production, but about
ensuring country people can be secure in their remote locations without more
government red tape to justify their daily lives.
“There are many challenges to living in regional NSW, with poorer facilities of
health care, transport options and education options, however one challenge
should not be governments taking away the security of allowing farmers access
to adequate water,” Mr Bootle said.
NSW Farmers has written to the Department outlining that current levels of
regulation of stock and domestic rights are sufficient.
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Media
Contact:
Kathleen Curry - Head of Communications &
Engagement
0427 411 220 | [email protected]
Date: 20 November 2023
Ref: MR/126/23