One of these involves inter-valley trades, where environmental water holders and speculators are able to use management tools for financial benefit, at the expense of food and fibre producers.
Over the past 20 years, production of food has taken a very sad last place in the development of water policy and that is now being reflected with increased prices at the local supermarket.
Recently, a random ballot saw 100,000 megalitres of water shifted from the Goulburn to the Lower Murray Valley. For many, this may seem inconsequential.
However, in reality it raises the issue of environmental water holders effectively choking the inter-valley trades, as they have so much water at their disposal.
It also poses an interesting question: If an environmental water holder purchases water to benefit the environment in a particular valley, why should it be allowed to move it to another valley?
Additionally, should government authorities like the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder be allowed to take up 20 per cent of trading space, to the detriment of food producers?
As changes to water policy and management take effect following the massive changes over the past two decades, Australians will have to think carefully about how much they are willing to pay for policy decisions that adversely impact the farmers who put food on our tables.
If we continue to ignore the imbalances that threaten the livelihoods of those who grow our food, the price we pay will continue to escalate.
John Lolicato, Wakool, NSW
Tractor trek to raise MND funds
The Riverina Trekkers Club will hold its bi-annual Two Rivers Tractor Run in March 2026.
A fundraiser for Motor Neurone Disease, the 2024 run raised more than $40,000 for this worthy cause.
Traditionally run in the Riverina travelling between the Murray and Murrumbidgee rivers (hence the name), the 2026 run is being held in the Goulburn Valley travelling between the Murray and Goulburn rivers.
The week-long run will start in Yarrawonga, over-nighting in Goorambat, Murchison, Colbinabbin, Wakiti Creek Resort at Kotupna, Wunghnu and ending back in Yarrawonga.
Clubs and organisations in these and other places along the route have generously offered their grounds and facilities free of charge.
A major auction will be held in Yarrawonga on the last night with members of the public warmly invited to come along to meet the trekkers, have a meal and participate in the auction.
There will be 40 to 50 vintage tractors of all descriptions travelling along mainly back roads with licensed pilots in charge.
The drivers are self-funded, paying an entry fee to join the run and also buying their fuel and other requisites in the small towns the run passes through.
Every donation collected goes to help fight the MND beast.
Earlier in the year, contact was made via email to many companies and organisations in the hope that they may see their way clear to support this very worthy cause by cash donation, supply of goods and/or services to auction, sponsor a tractor for the week or any other means.
If you haven’t been approached and would like to be a part of this worthy cause, contact Robyn Cole on 0427 246 439 or meander24@bigpond.com and Don Edis on 0429 829 713 or donald.edis@bigpond.com
Don Edis, Yarrawonga
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