Shepparton’s independent state MP, Suzanna Sheed, has called for the sacking of Federal Water Minister, David Littleproud, adding to the chorus of dissatisfaction over the way the Murray-Darling Basin plan is being implemented.
Only two weeks ago, a rally of thousands of farmers and irrigators at Tocumwal also called for a new federal water minister.
This morning Ms Sheed told reporters Mr Littleproud should be replaced by northern Victorian federal MP, Damian Drum, who represents the Nicholls electorate.
Irrigators are worried at the prospect of losing a further 450 Gl of water under the plan.
“Members who hail from the Northern Basin clearly have no idea how badly the mismanagement of water in their electorates is damaging the southern Basin,’’ Ms Sheed said today.
“Time and time-again Minister Littleproud has demonstrated he is more concerned with protecting big Northern Basin corporate irrigators- ignoring issues such as alleged corruption and rampant flood plain harvesting which is killing the Darling, than fixing the many problems plaguing implementation of the Murray Darling Basin Plan.”