Speak Up was in recess following its annual general meeting last year, but is expected to be active again after its 2025 AGM next month.
Chair Shelley Scoullar said it was important to make people aware of the damage to Australian farming and the impact on cost of living from the current government approach to the failing Murray-Darling Basin Plan.
“Most people, especially those in our cities, lack an understanding of the direct relationship between growing food and its cost at the supermarket,” Mrs Scoullar said.
“The Albanese Government has shown disregard for farming communities, and Australians will pay a heavy price for this.
“If we continue to reduce the ability of our farmers to grow food, supply and demand dictates that costs will continue to rise.
“Additionally, instead of eating world’s best clean, green Aussie food we will be forced to consume more imported food.
That is so crazy, when the solution is simply to improve our water policy and management.”
She said unfortunately water policy including the basin plan had been dictated by city-based environmental activists who are generally focused so heavily on ideology that they cannot see practicality and common-sense.
“The Albanese Government continues to be persuaded by its penchant for shoring up these votes, and as a result is doing our nation a disservice.
“This is extremely frustrating for rural communities, because there are workable solutions that can ensure we have sufficient water for environmental and productive needs.
“Current Water Minister Tanya Plibersek appears to have no interest in these solutions, and the focus of Prime Minister Albanese is on many other issues, but certainly not water.
“We need to make people more aware of the government’s attitude towards water policy, and farming in general.”
Mrs Scoullar said the Speak Up AGM would be held at the Finley Country Club Hotel on Friday, March 14 from 11am.
“We are currently undertaking a membership drive and encourage anyone who wants to support our efforts to achieve better water policy and management, especially a better basin plan, to sign up and get involved,” she said.
The Speak Up Campaign started in 2015 to highlight the important role water plays in food production and rural communities.
Mrs Scoullar said it quickly developed into having an education and advocacy role, highlighting the adverse social, economic and ecological impacts of the basin plan.
“Speak Up has brought together communities across the southern basin for rallies, protests and other events, while promoting its messages through traditional and social media.
“It is a voice for the grassroots, calling for transparency around water management decisions and the basin plan’s implementation.”
Speak Up membership forms are on the website www.speakup4water.com or for more information email speakup4water@gmail.com or phone Shelley Scoullar on 0414 960 785.
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