The Victorian Government has announced it has rejected the proposed Murray Darling Basin Plan, saying the social and economic costs incurred from the plan would be too costly.

 

Releasing the Victorian Government's submission to the draft plan, State Water Minister Peter Walsh warned the Federal Government against taking more water from Victoria.

 

"Further cuts to consumptive water will reduce employment, put pressure on families to seek off-farm income, place downward pressure on house and land values and increase welfare dependency,” Water Minister Peter Walsh said.

 

Mr Walsh said under the proposed Basin Plan, water available for consumptive use would be reduced by 2750Gl.

 

 

"Our modelling shows northern Victoria's dairy industry would decline by 12 per cent or $54 million. Grape production would fall by 11 per cent or 38 million and mixed grazing would take a hit of 31 per cent or $38 million," Mr Walsh said.

 

"Victorian communities have already done their share of the heavy lifting. Between the contributions they have made since 2000 and the water being returned under current agreements, northern Victorian irrigators have already given up 1,040Gl.

 

To view Victoria's submission to the Murray Darling Basin Authority visit www.water.vic.gov.au/basin-plan-response