Shelley

As Australia sleepwalks into a food security crisis, regional advocacy groups are pleading with their city cousins to join the fight that is needed to save future generations. Among the food producers who have long been calling for a fresh approach from governments to the value of agriculture is John Lolicato, who has roles on […]

Communities across four Australian states and the ACT have been presented with a unique opportunity to achieve productivity gains alongside positive environmental outcomes. All it will take is political willpower and acceptance that change is in the best interests of the nation. It follows acknowledgement last week from a government authority that more water buybacks

Labor Governments have traditionally represented working Australians, but a leading advocacy group says that tradition has been abandoned by the Albanese Government. The Prime Minister continues to ignore the plight of hard working Australians in the food processing sector, instead prioritising environmental votes in capital cities and South Australia, according to the Murray Regional Strategy

Local advocacy organisation the Murray Regional Strategy Group (MRSG) says the Labor Party’s Draft National Platform is “a slap in the face” for rice mill workers in Leeton and Deniliquin. Just a week after SunRice announced reduced shifts at its Riverina mills, Labor’s draft platform claims it will “encourage value‑adding and processing opportunities for agriculture,

The Murray Regional Strategy Group says it is difficult to understand why there has been surprise and public outcry at the loss of jobs in the Riverina, in particular at SunRice. Reports dating back 10 years have highlighted job losses from the Basin Plan and the future risk of more from water buybacks. “What’s the

A leading community and farmer organisation has expressed outrage at the secrecy surrounding government policy and the failure of a so-called independent authority. The Murray Regional Strategy Group says the Murray-Darling Basin Authority is turning its back on communities, while abrogating its statutory responsibilities. It follows the release this week of the MDBA’s ‘What we

Regional communities are becoming disillusioned over government policy that ignores the national interest and is using farmers and rural towns as pawns in a political game. They are concerned the Federal Government is pursuing further water buybacks while the Basin Plan Review is ongoing, despite the review discussion paper acknowledging that in much of the

The Federal Government is being urged to act immediately on drought preparedness, with regional leaders warning that current policy settings leave communities and national food security increasingly exposed. Last week, the Murray Regional Strategy Group (MRSG) posted its Basin Plan Review submission and a detailed socio‑economic briefing paper to the Treasurer, Dr Jim Chalmers MP.

Local residents and business operators are being encouraged to make their voices heard in the Murray-Darling Basin Plan review process. Submissions for the review close at 5pm on Friday May 1, and it is important for the region’s future that a wide cross section of the community is represented during this process. The Murray Regional

Over the past 14 years, the Murray region has dealt with numerous consequences of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan. The reduction in water for our irrigation communities has had a flow-on effect to businesses in towns, so there are impacts on everyone. This year, communities are being given a chance to contribute their thoughts on the