It was disappointing to read comments by the Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority’s acting CEO in Country News that “.. the Commonwealth water purchases for the Murray-Darling Basin Plan are increasing the risk of more ecological impacts on the ecological health of the river”.
When did the CMA become a stalking horse for the irrigation industry rather than delivering on its legislated, impartial role as a statutory agency charged with maintaining and enhancing catchment health, in consultation with the whole community?
The most recent State of Environment report for Victoria (2023) found that the Goulburn Broken catchment was one of the most poorly performing catchments in terms of the hydrological stress of its wetlands.
The report furthermore identifies specifically the hydrological stress of wetlands along the Goulburn River (indicator B:02).
Additional environmental water through buybacks or other means is essential to address each of these negative impacts.
Goulburn Valley Environment Group consequently supports the Commonwealth’s voluntary buyback of water for environmental purposes, where done strategically to ensure the largest benefit for the environment and least impact on the agricultural sector.
We also advocate for the removal of constraints to over-bank flows as a priority action to help enhance wetland health in the catchment.
We look forward to the CMA showing more consideration to other voices in the community, not just advocating for the irrigation sector.
Dr Doug Robinson,
Goulburn Valley Environment Group president
6°C