More water buybacks threaten to destroy Queensland towns and force up food prices

On Behalf Of The Hon David Littleproud Mp

LABOR’S plan to go ahead with more water buybacks risks destroying Queensland towns and worsening Australia’s cost-of-living crisis.

Leader of The Nationals and Federal Member for Maranoa David Littleproud said Water Minister Tanya Plibersek’s revelations that she would not allow more time for states to deliver efficiency infrastructure for nearly 350 gigalitres, while ignoring the economic and social safeguards for the 450 additional gigalitres, would be a huge blow to regional communities.

Mr Littleproud said it would also drive up grocery bills even further.

“If that much water is purchased from farmers, less food is produced, so every Australian will pay more at the checkout,” Mr Littleproud said.

“The infrastructure programs designed by the states to deliver water for the environment just need to be given time to be completed and the safeguards Labor created for the additional 450 gigalitres just need to be respected.

“Farmers can sell up and walk away but it will be the towns, the small