Moira Shire Council is deeply concerned by the Federal Government's plan to expand its water buybacks in the Southern Connected Murray-Darling Basin by an additional 130 gigalitres (GL).
This is on top of the 1400 GL already purchased under the Murray-Darling Basin Plan's water buybacks.
Moira Shire Council Chair Administrator Dr Graeme Emonson PSM and CEO Matthew Morgan recently joined leaders from Greater Shepparton City Council and Campaspe Shire Council in voicing their strong opposition to the buybacks at a meeting in Shepparton with Federal Member for Nicholls Sam Birrell and Federal Shadow Minister for Water Ross Cadell.
The meeting reinforced the united stance of the region's local government leaders against further water buybacks and highlighted the urgent need for alternative solutions that protect both river health and regional economies.
Moira Shire Council Chair Administrator Dr Graeme Emonson PSM said water buybacks pose a serious threat to the future of agriculture, horticulture and food security across Moira Shire.
"Every litre of water removed from farms means fewer crops, less milk and reduced output from orchards and processing plants," Dr Emonson said.
"This is not just about farmers – it's about jobs, local businesses and affordable food for families nationwide. The flow-on effects from further buybacks will be devastating for regional and rural communities."
Moira Shire CEO Matthew Morgan also expressed concern that water recovery under the Murray-Darling Basin Plan seems to be disproportionately coming from northern Victoria.
"Federal water ministers have repeatedly ignored our requests to come to our region to understand the long-term potential impact on our community and our economy," Mr Morgan said.
"It is also disappointing that despite the water buybacks continuing, the Victorian Government has not secured any Sustainable Communities Funding for our region.
"The majority of the water is being recovered from Victoria, yet it is NSW and SA who are receiving the Sustainable Communities Funding to help transition their local communities and economies to a lower water future.
"We need robust adjustment packages to safeguard jobs, support local businesses and drive new opportunities that will secure Moira's future growth."
Moira Shire Council has joined the other local government leaders in urging the Federal Government to immediately advise the specific locations of water buybacks in order to fully understand the loss and subsequent socio-economic impacts on the region's industries and communities.
Moira Shire Council engaged in strong advocacy with then Federal Minister for Water Tanya Plibersek after the first round of new water buybacks was announced in 2024.
"We conservatively estimate that over 10% of our district jobs are at risk due to the proposed water buybacks, with potentially devastating ripple effects on our local economy," Dr Emonson told the Federal Government.
"We fully support sustainable environmental water recovery and are eager to partner with the federal and state governments to achieve this. However, the current approach threatens to undermine the very fabric of our community.
"This issue is not just a matter of policy; it directly impacts real people, real families, real communities and real jobs."
