Following the release of the Murray Darling Basin guide Citrus Australia has said the document favours the environment at the expense of people who live and work in the area.
A press release from Citrus Australia claimed the guide has failed in its attempt to address a balanced triple bottom line, stating environmental, economic and social impacts all have to be addressed equally to ensure the best outcome for all.
Citrus Australia CEO Judith Damiani stressed that over 2.1m people live and work in the Basin.
“Ninety five per cent of Australian oranges are produced in the Basin along with many other fruit and nut crops such as grapes, apples and almonds. The main citrus growing regions within the basin are facing cuts of between 26 to 43 per cent, `which is` bound to cause enormous impacts on jobs and families.”
She also stated the federal government has not given enough thought to how water restrictions will affect the wider community, and what will happen if irrigators are not willing to sell entitlements back to the government.
“I have no doubt we will be out in numbers at the public consultation forums being held in Griffith, Renmark and Mildura,” Ms Damiani said.
