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Council reiterates support for farmers over waterWellington Shire will be represented at a mass rally in Maffra tomorrow (10 March), where local farmers will be voicing concerns about the possible loss of water for irrigation if the recommendations of a State Government taskforce are implemented By Wellington Shire Council - 9th March 2004 - Back to News The taskforce has been considering environmental flow options for the Thomson and Macalister Rivers and steps to reverse a decline in river health and to promote a healthy ecosystem. It is recommending that more than 40,000 megalitres of water be released in the lower reaches of these rivers.
There are major concerns being voiced amongst the Wellington and Gippsland communities that this action will cut the level of irrigated water available to farmers and so have a serious adverse impact on the agricultural industry and local economy. There are also claims that there is no scientific evidence to prove that releasing the water as recommended will actually improve river health.
Said Wellington’s Chief Executive Officer Lyndon Webb: "With the agricultural industry such a keystone of the Wellington and Gippsland economies we are very concerned about the possibility of any measure being introduced that might threaten its stability.
"Whilst we need to strike a balance between protecting our environment and our economy, the recent drought highlighted only too clearly how a reduction in water for irrigation can have a major detrimental impact on our agricultural sector, be it dairying, meat or horticultural production, as well as on support industries.
"At the end of the day, what is required is an action plan geared at ensuring water supplies are able to provide security for the demands of an active and expanding Wellington economy, including not just from farmers but also from a growing tourism sector.
"We will continue to support and press the interests of our water-dependent businesses with both the State and Federal Governments."
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
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