SRI chairman Chris Brooks said he and the group’s 1800 members were at a loss as to why politicians refused to acknowledge sensible, long-term solutions to water shortages.
‘‘This year we are on zero allocation, while water floods into the forest and pours down to South Australia so lakes can be kept at maximum height for boating regattas,’’ he said.
‘‘It’s a crazy situation that is destroying family farms and the communities which depend on them.
‘‘There’s over $4billion available from the Snowy Hydro Fund. Even a mere 10 per cent of that would make a massive difference to a large part of our state.’’
Mr Brooks said he had hoped that with a tight NSW election in the seat of Murray, there would have been more support for a proposal with the potential for genuine lasting benefit.
‘‘We are frustrated beyond belief with our political system. My members are being let down by conservative politicians who should be trying to protect us,’’ he said.
‘‘SRI is fed up with the deal our industry has been dealt, especially over the past decade.
‘‘We want serious change that tells us we have politicians who care for our families and their future. If we don’t get it, I think we have no choice but to change our politicians.’’
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