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Local member addresses parliament over wine grape growers

March 21, 2024 8:58 am in by

Wine grape growers are facing serious economic risks from water buybacks, according to Federal MP Anne Webster.

The Member for Mallee has told Federal Parliament this week that there are looming threats of forced exits from the buybacks, but they’re also facing more taxes with the biosecurity levy.

Dr Webster savaged the Albanese Labor Government’s water buyback program, given the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder has on average used only 70 per cent of the water it holds in any given year.

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The local member says Federal Water Minister Tanya Plibersek’s first Commonwealth water buybacks in the Basin since 2020 cost an estimated $205 million for more than 26 GL of water.

Image: Anne Webster MP’s office

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