As eloquently pointed out by David Walker, Chairman of Liverpool Plains Land Management Committee today, Minister Macdonald has been able to find $20 million to prop up the “viability of some regional coal mines”, but is unable, or unwilling, to as promptly kick the tin for the region’s Independent Catchment-Wide Water Study.

The Minister’s behaviour is, once again, disappointing and gives weight to increasingly loud suggestions of bias. This important Study which, by comparison to whining mining handouts, has been through exhaustive consultation, seeks to protect the viability of clean water supplies and food production on the Liverpool Plains.

Further this Study is national in its impact. We produce food for the people of Australia, a product suite that supports hundreds of thousands of jobs in retail and the health of our Nation as consumers. Our well-managed catchment also contributes to the Murray Darling Basin and the livelihoods of hundreds of communities, farmers and businesses down stream.

 This fact is not lost on the Federal Minister for Water, Senator Wong, who has already put the Federal government’s money where her mouth is. We appreciate her unswerving and proactive support.