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Farmers are worried about Federal government plan to recover 450 gigalitres of water

On the Voice to Parliament referendum, David Littleproud is not confident about the outcome, emphasising that Australians should make their own informed decisions, regardless of celebrity endorsements.

By news@gippsland - 4th October 2023 - Back to News

Regional Sky News host Ashlea Hansen welcomes David Littleproud to the show, "Joining me live now is Nationals leader David Littleproud. David, good morning to you. "Yeah, good morning. Thanks for having me", he replied. "Now, what are farmers telling you about the revised water buybacks?" Ms Hansen asked.

David Littleproud criticises the yes campaign for relying on celebrities and corporate support, stating that Australians prefer to make independent choices

Farming community concerns

Well, they're frightened, and this is creating another layer of anxiety that this government is putting on them, whether it's live sheep, whether it's the Ag visa that has been taken away. Now, whether it's an additional 450 gigalitres of water that they want to recover, that actually tears up the very legislation that they put in place in 2012 in a bipartisan approach to recover water to the environment. We've recovered nearly 80 percent of that.

We'll recover nearly all of that with infrastructure if we allow the time for that to happen. But what they've done is add another 450 gigalitres, which means you take that out of the consumptive pool, you take that away from farmers to use, and that means they produce less and your prices go up.

Ideology vs. reality

This is all ideology, not practical reality, and it's against the very intent of their very own legislation. And so there's trauma that's been rehashed around the Basin that farmers first felt when the Basin plan was brought out in 2012. And Labor really are just tearing up these communities.

It's not farmers that'll hurt, don't worry about the farmers. They get paid for the water. It's the communities that are left behind. It's the machinery dealer, it's the pump shop, it's the cafe, it's the hairdresser and Labor doesn't understand that, but everybody will hurt because we'll be producing less. And when you produce less, your prices go up.

Alternative water plan

Ms Hansen asked, "So what's the alternative here? I know that Coalition MPs are touring the region next week. What's the alternative?" Mr Littleproud said, "Well, sadly, not even the crossbench Senators or the Teals would support a bipartisan inquiry into understanding what this change of legislation would mean to not only regional Australia, but would mean to people's grocery bills. And so it's been beholden on the Coalition to go around and to actually hear the concerns of these communities."

"But the alternative, quite simple, is to stick to the plan as it was laid out in 2012, that we recover the 2,750 gigalitres of which we will be able to complete with infrastructure. And the 450 gigalitres is additional water that can't be recovered, unless it can prove that it doesn't have a detrimental impact. Now I haven't been able to prove that."

"And to go to simple buybacks is what this government wants to do. We'll decimate communities, but we'll drive up your grocery bills. And that's why we're saying we don't need to do anything. We just simply need to continue on the pathway of the plan. The plan that was put in place in 2012, Labor's 2012 plan, that they are now tearing up for political expediency in a couple of Adelaide seats," he said.

Voice to parliament referendum

Ms Hansen asked, "Now onto the Voice to Parliament referendum. Early voting has begun. Are you confident that the no vote will get up?"

Mr Littleproud said, "No, I'm not confident. I never take for granted the result of an election. The Australian people always get it right, but you have to earn their vote. And we've been very clear. And as The Nationals who staked an early position on this, a principal position back in November last year, one predicated on lived experience. This isn't a new proposition."

"We've had a represented body before. It's called ATSIC, where we live with those consequences. If this was about constitutional recognition, then we would support it. So we are proudly the ones that formulated the pamphlet that every Australian has. And while there's a lot of accusations about misinformation and disinformation, I just say to my fellow Australians, please just read the pamphlet. Look at the yes case and look at the no case, and get to a position predicated on the information provided to you, which is fact."

"Look at that pamphlet and make your determination. And we think that if Australians read that pamphlet, then they will vote no. And Australians shouldn't feel guilted into voting one way or another before an election or guilted after for the result. This is where the Australian people have their right to make their own personal decision on this. And the Australian people always get it right, no matter the result," he said.

Influence of celebrity support

Ms Hansen asked, "It was a big weekend of grand finals and superstar Nathan Cleary came out and supported the Voice to Parliament. Do you think that someone like him coming out and supporting the Voice will sway voters, those undecided ones?"

Mr Littleproud said, "Oh, look, I respect Nathan Cleary as a great footballer and I respect the fact that he has his own personal views as I do and I have more lived experience in representing where the disadvantage is. So I've got to a different position than Nathan. I respect that he's got that, but I don't think that Australians are listening to celebrities or sports stars or corporate Australia."

Celebrities and corporates

Mr Littleproud also said, "I think that one of the mistakes of the yes vote has been to enlist our corporates and stars, to come and tell Australians what to do. Australians don't like to be told what to do. They'll make their own mind up with their information put in front of them. And that's why I say the pamphlet is such a powerful document because if they read the pamphlet, they're able to make that determination."

"And sadly, I think that if the yes case thinks that getting stars are coming in, whether it be John Farnham, whether it be Nathan Cleary or Paul Kelly, the singer as well, then I think they're misguided. I think corporate Australia has made a big misstep in simply trying to buy social licence with this matter, rather than staying out of it and letting the moral compass and the future of our country be determined by the Australian individuals, not by those that have a privileged position in our society," he said.

Voter independence in Australia

Ms Hansen asked, "Yeah. But perhaps that isn't the yes campaign, it's the individuals and are you having a go at them for coming out and supporting it? I mean, they are role models?"

Mr Littleproud said, "No. Well, as I said, I respect that they have their own opinion, but I think what Australians invariably like to do is to be able to make their own mind up with the information themselves and not to be talked to, particularly by those, particularly corporates and sporting groups telling them how they should vote. I think Australians are very individualistic, but I respect it is an individual's right to make that determination."

"I think it's a misstep, but what I'm saying is the yes case puts too much weight on individuals and corporate Australia and sporting organisations in supporting this because that's not the psyche of this country."

"Australians don't like to be talked down to. They actually want to make their own mind up and they'll invariably get to it on their own volition. And I think what my point is, is that I respect my own individual points of view. I think it's a mistake by the yes case to enlist them and to put too much weight on it," he said.

Pictures from Agriculture Victoria Facebook page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  Bass Coast Shire Council is reviewing its Climate Change Action Plan 2020-2030, celebrating renewable energy achievements and inviting community feedback through surveys, pop-up sessions, engagement events, and a special film screening.
• East Gippsland Water invites community feedback through annual customer satisfaction survey this October
  East Gippsland Water is inviting customers to complete its annual satisfaction survey, providing feedback on water quality, service, and community engagement. Responses will guide future improvements and participants can win a $100 bill credit.
• Southern Rural Water upgrades over meters across Gippsland to improve accuracy and fair water management
  Southern Rural Water is replacing 1,000+ outdated meters across southern Victoria by 2026, boosting accuracy, compliance, and fair water management under national standards - with no cost to customers.
• East Gippsland Water celebrates talented young artists in National Water Week Poster Competition 2025
  East Gippsland Water has announced winners of its National Water Week poster competition, celebrating young artists who showcased creativity and water conservation awareness under the theme "Water Heroes: Save Every Drop."
• David Littleproud slams Labor's 2035 emissions reduction target as costly, and damaging to families, jobs, and communities
  Nationals leader David Littleproud criticised Labor's 2035 emissions target as reckless and costly, warning it would raise taxes, increase energy bills, hurt regional communities, and threaten jobs, families, and industries.
• David Littleproud warns vegetable growers of crisis as compliance costs soar, confidence collapses and exits loom
  Nationals leader David Littleproud warns Australia's food security is at risk, with two in five growers considering leaving amid rising compliance costs, financial strain, and Labor policies undermining farming viability.
• Southern Rural Water urges water users to monitor, manage, and comply as Spring forecast warns above-average rainfall
  The Bureau predicts above-average spring rainfall and warmer temperatures across eastern Australia. Southern Rural Water urges monitoring usage, maintaining bores, and following regulations to ensure fair, efficient water management.
• Bairnsdale's Shannon Waters Estate residents receive new digital water meters as East Gippsland Water expands roll-out
  Shannon Waters Estate residents in Bairnsdale are receiving new digital water meters, enabling near-real-time usage tracking, early leak detection, and faster service, following a successful Bemm River trial.
• Baw Baw Shire Council endorses 2026 - 2029 Domestic Animal Management Plan to promote safety, welfare, responsible ownership
  Baw Baw Council has endorsed the 2026-2029 Domestic Animal Management Plan to promote responsible pet ownership, enhance animal welfare, ensure community safety, and guide strategic animal management over the next four years.
• East Gippsland Council endorses Coastal and Marine Management Plan to protect treasured coastline sustainably
  East Gippsland Shire Council has endorsed the Coastal and Marine Management Plan, providing a coordinated framework to protect and sustainably manage coastal reserves with community, Traditional Owner, and stakeholder input.
• Sale’s burnt police station must be cleared and redeveloped after 11 years of government inaction, says Danny O’Brien
  Nationals MP Danny O’Brien urges Allan Labor Government to clear and redevelop Sale’s old police station site after 11 years of inaction, following its recent deliberate burning.
• Peri-urban councils warn Gippsland housing crisis threatens productivity and federal economic ambitions
  Peri Urban Councils Victoria warns soaring prices and falling approvals are hurting productivity, urging federal and state governments to fund infrastructure reforms to unlock peri-urban housing supply and ease affordability pressures.
• Parliamentary Inquiry into the 2026 summer fires across Victoria, make a submission by 15 March 2026
  Parliamentary Inquiry launched to scrutinise Victoria’s 2026 bushfire preparedness, planning, and emergency response across regional communities.
• Baw Baw Shire Council information session on Warragul and Drouin Development Contributions Plans review on 12 December 2025
  Baw Baw residents are invited to an information session on 12 December to learn about the Warragul and Drouin Development Contributions Plans review and future infrastructure planning.
• Life Saving Victoria urges water safety precautions as heatwave drives crowds to beaches and pools
  Life Saving Victoria warns Victorians to prioritise water safety during this week’s 40°C heatwave, swim at patrolled locations, supervise children, avoid alcohol, and always swim with a friend.
• Melina Bath urges eastern Victoria residents to prepare properties and plans for heightened bushfire risk this summer
  The Nationals’ Melina Bath urges eastern Victoria residents to prepare properties, review Bushfire Survival Plans, and stay informed to reduce risk and protect families, pets, and communities this summer.
• Baw Baw Shire Council secures funding for four key road safety projects through TAC and federal Blackspot Programs
  Baw Baw Shire Council secured TAC and Federal Blackspot funding for four key road safety projects in Warragul and Drouin, targeting high-risk areas with upgrades to improve safety for all road users.
• Wellington Shire Council seeks feedback on the Domestic Animal Management Plan Review until 24 September 2025
  Wellington Shire Council's draft Domestic Animal Management Plan outlines priorities for responsible pet ownership, safety, and welfare, inviting community feedback from 28 August to 24 September 2025.
• Bass Coast Shire Council invites community to help shape the next stage of Climate Action Plan at Berninneit in Cowes 25 October 2026
  Bass Coast Shire Council invites the community to a Climate Action Plan Review Workshop to reflect on progress, share ideas, and help shape the next five years of local climate action.
• East Gippsland invites community input to shape Omeo district place plan and future local priorities
  East Gippsland Council invites Omeo district residents to provide feedback via workshops and surveys, shaping the new Place Plan to reflect local priorities, guide council actions, and strengthen community engagement.
• Six-year Thurra River campground closure triggers renewed demands for urgent government action before summer
  Tim Bull says East Gippslanders face another summer without Thurra River’s main campground, urging the Minister to expedite long-delayed approvals after six years, stressing local businesses rely on its reopening.
• Darren Chester warns Labor gun law changes unfairly target regions, distract from government extremism failures
  Gippsland MP Darren Chester says Labor’s firearm law changes unfairly punish regional Australians, distract from failures tackling anti-Semitism and extremism, and won’t prevent terrorism like the Bondi attack tragedy violence.
• Bruthen and Buchan town centre upgrades boost tourism, safety, and local businesses with $3.8M government support
  Bruthen and Buchan town centre upgrades, supported by $3.8 million government funding, improve safety, accessibility, tourism, and local business, while celebrating Indigenous culture and supporting bushfire-affected communities.
• Darren Chester urges Gippsland not-for-profits to send EOIs and apply for 2025-26 Volunteer Grants supporting local community volunteers
  Federal Member Darren Chester urges Gippsland not-for-profits to submit EOIs for 2025-26 Volunteer Grants, offering $1,000-$5,000 to support volunteers, strengthen community connections, and remove barriers to participation.
• Bass Coast Shire Council sets four-year strategic direction with refreshed Community Vision, Council Plan, and Annual Action Plan
  Bass Coast Shire Council has adopted its refreshed Community Vision 2045, Council Plan 2025-2029, and Annual Action Plan, setting a community-shaped strategic direction celebrating the region’s diverse landscapes and values.
• Darren Chester welcomes Minister Catherine King’s confirmation that the Eastern Beach Road intersection remains a priority
  The federal government has increased funding to $6.6 million for the Lakes Entrance road safety upgrade, but Federal MP Darren Chester says state government delays continue to stall the vital project.
• Omeo’s Day Avenue upgraded with safer streets, accessible paths, bike parking, greenery, and Victorian government investment
  Omeo’s Day Avenue upgraded with safer streets, accessible paths, signage, parking, bike facilities, greenery, and $200,000 Victorian government investment, creating jobs and enhancing experiences for locals and visitors.
• Baw Baw Shire Council invites community to join Biodiversity Blitz and help shape first nature plan from 1-30 September 2025
  Baw Baw Shire Council invites residents to celebrate Biodiversity Month by joining the Biodiversity Blitz, recording local species, attending walk-and-talk events, and contributing ideas to shape the region's first Nature Plan.