12 October 2026
RIVERINA AND MURRAY LEADERS CALL FOR GENUINE PARTNERSHIP ON BASIN WATER POLICY
The Riverina and Murray Joint Organisation (RAMJO) has welcomed the opportunity to meet directly with Senator the Hon Murray Watt – Minister for the Environment and Water during a stakeholder roundtable in Leeton, while reinforcing a united regional call for an end to further water buybacks and a more balanced approach to Murray-Darling Basin policy.
The roundtable brought together local government leaders, irrigators, agricultural representatives, regional development organisations and industry stakeholders to discuss the future of water policy in the Basin.
RAMJO Chair, Cr Ruth McRae, said the meeting provided an important opportunity for regional communities to explain the real-world impacts that water recovery policies continue to have on local economies, businesses and families.
“Our communities understand the importance of achieving strong environmental outcomes, but those outcomes cannot come at the expense of the people, industries and regional towns that depend on water for their future.”
“The message from local government, industry and community representatives was clear: the Commonwealth must cease further water buybacks and work directly with regional stakeholders to identify practical solutions that deliver environmental benefits while sustaining jobs, investment and economic growth.”
Mayor Ashley Hall, representing Edward River Council at the roundtable, said Basin communities are increasingly concerned about the cumulative economic and social impacts of ongoing water recovery.
“We are already seeing the consequences of reduced water availability across our region. In Deniliquin alone, the recent loss of 68 jobs is a stark reminder that water policy decisions have real impacts on workers, families, businesses and communities.”
“When jobs are lost in regional communities, the effects extend far beyond a single workplace. Local businesses lose customers, sporting clubs lose volunteers, schools lose enrolments and communities lose confidence in their future.”
During the discussion, stakeholders highlighted the significant contribution irrigated agriculture, food processing and manufacturing make to the Riverina economy and stressed that water should be recognised as critical productivity infrastructure. Participants also encouraged greater focus on innovation, environmental works and improved management of existing environmental water holdings, rather than additional permanent water recovery.
RAMJO Water Subcommittee Chair, Jackie Kruger, said local communities possess valuable knowledge that can help shape better outcomes for both the environment and regional economies.
“Regional councils, irrigators and businesses are not seeking to avoid environmental responsibility. We want to be genuine partners in developing place-based solutions that support healthy river systems while maintaining vibrant and productive communities.”
The meeting also highlighted growing concerns about employment impacts across Basin communities, including recent job losses associated with reduced water availability and ongoing uncertainty for major industries. Stakeholders emphasised the need for water policy settings that provide confidence for businesses to invest, expand and create long-term employment opportunities.
RAMJO acknowledged the announcement by the Australian Government and SunRice of a $29 million rice-cake manufacturing infrastructure project in Leeton, supported by $14.5 million in Commonwealth funding and intended to secure around 200 existing direct and indirect jobs within the rice industry.
The roundtable followed the Minister’s invitation for feedback on the Murray-Darling Basin Plan Review, the Water Act Review and future water policy directions. RAMJO will continue advocating for a balanced, evidence-based and community-focused approach that protects both the environmental health of the Basin and the social and economic wellbeing of regional communities.
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| RAMJO Chair:
Cr Ruth McRae OAM |
RAMJO Water Subcommittee Chair:
Ms Jackie Kruger |
Pictured left to right Mrs Jackie Kruger – Leeton Shire Council GM and RAMJO Water Subcommittee Chair, Mr Brett Stonestreet PSM – RAMJO Executive Officer, Cr Neville Kshenka OAM –Narrandera Shire Council Mayor, Cr Ruth McRae OAM, Murrumbidgee Council Mayor and RAMJO Chair, Minister Murray Watt, Cr George Weston – Leeton Shire Council Mayor and Cr Ashley Hall – Edward River Council Mayor.