Farrer voices drive coalition water policy
Liberal candidate for Farrer Raissa Butkowski has endorsed the Coalition’s Murray–Darling Basin policy principles that will ensure practical, balanced water policy, supporting farmers, regional communities and the long-term health of the Basin.
Ms Butkowski said the Coalition’s policy position follows her advocacy on behalf of local communities across the electorate.
“I have been travelling across Farrer, listening to farmers, irrigators, small businesses and families, and taking their concerns and ideas directly to the Opposition Leader, Angus Taylor,” Ms Butkowski said.
“Their needs and our position are clear – it is time to put an end to water being taken away from productive use and deliver certainty for our communities that rely on this water.
“I am proud that our local voices have helped shape this approach – it is a direct response to what the people in Farrer have been calling for.”
Ms Butkowski said this policy reflects the priorities of local communities and provides a practical path forward.
“In towns like Griffith, Leeton and Deniliquin, water underpins everything. It supports jobs, businesses and families, and it secures the future of our region,” she said. “We cannot keep stripping water out of these communities through buybacks and expect them to survive. That approach is driving up costs and hurting local communities.”
Ms Butkowski said the Coalition would restore balance by ending further reductions in water for productive use and increasing the amount of water available to farmers and local towns.
“We should be growing the consumptive pool, not shrinking it. If there is surplus water sitting unused, it should be put back to work supporting farmers, lowering water prices and strengthening local communities,” she said.
Ms Butkowski said reforming the system, including the management of environmental water, is essential to rebuilding trust.
“People in Farrer want a system that is fair, transparent and works for them. This approach delivers that balance.”
“This is about protecting our way of life, backing our farmers, and ensuring our communities have a strong future. That is what I will always fight for,” Ms Butkowski concluded.
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