Additional Comments – Hon Dr Sharman Stone MP
Of necessity, this inquiry was conducted over a few short
weeks and should be considered a supplement to the first report of this
committee: “Of Droughts and Flooding Rains”, June 2011.
The additional evidence received for this report reinforced
many of the submissions made to the first inquiry, leaving me in no doubt that
the majority of stakeholders still seek to achieve a Plan that is a balance
between achieving environmental sustainability, maintaining viable communities
and thriving regional economies. I endorse the view that these elements are
interdependent.
The terms of reference required us, among other things, to
report on Commonwealth progress in the recovery of water for the environment
through irrigation infrastructure investments and purchase.
I wish to restate that the overwhelming evidence from Basin
stakeholders continues to identify that the most effective ways to achieve a
sustainable environment without destroying regional economies is to find any
further savings needed through investment in improved water efficiencies on
farms and in irrigation or stock and domestic systems; in additional
environmental works and measures and in improved river management. I strongly support
those who argue that no water should be purchased for the Commonwealth Water
Holder through the irrigator’s water market. This distorts prices and strands
assets. Strategic buy-back of water should only be considered through a
different process and only after there is comprehensive and independent
analysis of third party impacts, in particular the immediate and longer term
impacts on the regional economy and communities.
The Committee’s first report “Of Droughts and Flooding
Rains” deliberately did not specify a preferred SDL volume, on the
understanding that a single figure without appropriate recognition of savings
already found, or committed from all sources and without a scientific
understanding of the eco-systems needs, was meaningless. I continue to
strongly support that view.
Hon Dr Sharman Stone
5 July 2012