Lately, water issues have dominated Australian politics as the country faces its worst-ever drought in 100 years. Policymakers are now pinning their hopes on a series of measures, including a national water plan, to save dying river systems. The plan is unique in that it necessitates the active involvement of farmers who are required to put excess water back into river systems and enforce a tradeable water system.
The scheme is to be implemented over 10 years. It envisages the setting up of a new national water commission, which would oversee the use of irrigation water. The plan, which has been approved by the Council of Australian Governments (comprising the federal prime minister and state premiers), is being opposed by some regional authorities and environmentalists.
Australia, the driest inhabited continent, also has the world's highest per capita water use. At the core of the plan is a strategy to save the nation's longest river system, the Murray-Darling. This river system is the lifeblood of Australia's important farmlands that export foodgrains worth us $21 billion. A reduction in the water flow in the Murray and Darling rivers, which stretch across 3,500 kilometres, has in recent years seen sections of the system dry up.
Upstream cotton farms at the head of the system use vast amounts of water for irrigation, reducing the flow to downstream farms. The new agreement, which has been welcomed by the National Federation of Farmers -- a powerful farmers' lobby group of Australia -- makes it incumbent upon farmers to redirect 500 billion litres of water to Murray river. The federal and state governments have set aside us $350 million for the project.
The state of West Australia has, however, refused to sign the plan. It contends that its people will not benefit from the deal. The Green Party is also opposed to the plan. It contends that big landholders will be the only gainers.
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
.png)
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.