While I acknowledge in some areas this is a factional issue, I do not believe that is the case in Farrer.
In our region there is ongoing dissatisfaction with the performance of our Member for Farrer and her representation on our behalf, in particular relating to water policy and the Murray-Darling Basin Plan.
Before the last election Ms Ley told us she “wakes up every morning thinking about water”. Unfortunately, it seems that is where it ends.
A concerted campaign was undertaken prior to that election, but Ms Ley was able to retain the seat with strong support from her base in Albury, where there does not appear to be an understanding of the environmental damage being caused downstream by excessive flows out of Hume Dam.
It should be noted that there were significant swings against Ms Ley in many rural parts of the electorate.
No-one can deny that water policy and the Murray-Darling Basin Plan is a difficult issue for the Coalition Government, which has to keep voters in South Australia happy while at the same time promoting environmental credentials in key marginal city seats.
As such, it has ploughed ahead with the basin plan despite its many shortcomings, with the only shining light for many communities being a commitment there will be no more water buybacks.
Not surprisingly, farmers want more than this, and they have been frustrated that Ms Ley has not advocated more actively on their behalf.
Rest assured, it is not a factional issue in the seat of Farrer — it is a representational issue which has resulted in the preselection challenge in the electorate.
Val McWhae, Barham
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