Swan Hill Rural City Council
Councils partner to oppose buybacks
At our scheduled meeting in May, we carried a motion to not support any further water buybacks from irrigators to fulfil recovery targets under the Murray Darling Basin Plan and support the extension of timelines for water saving projects which will satisfy existing water saving targets.
Recently, the Federal Government has introduced legislation into Parliament for a revised Murray Darling Basin Plan.
Proposed legislation will allow the Commonwealth to buyback irrigation licenses and extend the deadline of returning 450 gigalitres of additional water to the environment to December 2027, originally June 2024. An 18-month extension to state-run water-saving projects from June 2024 to December 2026; and allow for new water-saving projects to be established and completed by December 2026
We have partnered with MRGC to oppose the introduction of this legislation.
We are concerned about the impact of further buybacks to our rural communities, the social implications of the higher cost of living nationally, as result of less consumptive water available for more vulnerable industries such as local dairy and the need for a balanced approach such as water saving projects to improve environmental health and support local agriculture, supporting industries and communities.
We urge the community to get involved by signing our online petition at: XXXXX
Space theme for school holidays
It was great to see our services deliver yet another outstanding school holiday program. As always there was plenty to do at the Swan Hill Regional Library, Swan Hill Regional Art Gallery and Pioneer Settlement. Services teamed up to deliver a space theme, including heading out to Manangatang and Nyah West in the Library Outreach Vehicle – well done to all involved in this successful community program.
Reminder to keep our spaces beautiful
With recent warmer weather it has been great to see more people using our beautiful parks and open spaces.
I would like to take this opportunity to remind residents to be mindful when you’re out and about and to ensure that you’re using provided rubbish bins and cleaning up after yourselves.
To protect our unique environment for generations to come, Council’s Authorised Officers undertake a proactive compliance and investigation program to ensure littering offences are reduced.
If you’re found guilty of a littering you may be issued with an on-the-spot fine. Fines for littering can range from $370 to $740.
