COUNCILLORS UNITED OVER DEEP CONCERN FOR THE GREENS DEAL

Published on 28 November 2023

For immediate release

28 November 2023

COUNCILLORS UNITED OVER DEEP CONCERN FOR THE GREENS DEAL

In a resolute stand against the proposed federal water bill, Deputy Mayor, Cr Carly Marriott is leading the charge to rally against measures that threaten the vital interests of our community. The Federal Government's water bill poses an imminent and existential threat, one from which our communities will not recover.

“The Water and Environment Minister, Tanya Plibersek appears to be tone deaf to the proposed impact that this deal will have on our community and others like us. Ms Pilbersesk and Senator Sarah Hanson-Young agreed that the amendments would strengthen the bill, with no thought of what it will do to our rural communities. An extra 450 gigalitres will destroy us,” said Cr Marriott.

They must open their eyes and acknowledge the detrimental impact this deal will have on our region’s water resources. Our stance reflects the concerns shared by our community and Council alike, echoing a collective call for the “safeguarding of our water supply and economic sustainability”.

Councillor Matthew Hannan shared this sentiment saying, “the buybacks combined with the millennium drought brought our community to their knees; this new deal the Government has struck with the Greens will lead us down the same path”.

“There is no common sense involved. This is politicians in the city, ignoring the bush,” said Cr Roger Reynoldson.

For Councillor Ted Hatty, it is evident that the Government are choosing to ignore the known detrimental impacts previous buybacks have caused. It is an “appalling lack of understanding and typical of an out of touch Government,” he said.

Mayor Julia Cornwell McKean calls upon senator crossbenchers whose support is crucial in getting this proposal across the line for the Government. Their conscientious reconsideration of this matter is pivotal in safeguarding the interests of our community.

Mayor Julia urges the NSW Water Minister Rose Jackson and Premier Minns to put NSW first and take a stand against this proposal, akin to the proactive stance taken by the Victorian Government in rejecting the Murray-Darling Basin Plan.

“It is imperative to protect our community's well-being and interests, ensuring decisions align with their best interests. We will not stop until our voices are heard – we are in this for the long haul,” said Mayor Julia.

ENDS

Further information:
Keelan McDonald
Communications, Marketing and Engagement