Region Riverina editor previews Farrer-by election, predicts result on Crikey podcast

It is notable that the Greens is the only party supporting the water buyback scheme and talking about the environment when it comes to water protection. The Murray is one of our country’s most precious and significant agricultural waterways, providing one-third of Australia’s food supply. A river system very nearly decimated by the Nationals who were given control when they were last in government. A party who undermined and loosened regulations resulting in the destruction of the river’s waterways due to excessive and unlawful mass water extraction which resulted in the the deaths of large volumes of fish and the introduction of foreign species, environmental vandalism which has been described as a national disgrace.

The buyback scheme, which is working in preserving the Murray’s water flows is supported through multiple inquiries, many of the residents and townships along its route and the farmers who have voluntarily signed up to it. The leading candidates in the LNP, One Nation and unfortunately Independent Michelle Milthorpe are now advocating for the end of water buybacks. Significantly, no-one of them is mentioning the environment and its protection, or the theft of water by rural irrigators robbing those farmers and townships further downstream. As of early 2026, the Lower River Murray ecosystem continues to be officially listed as Critically Endangered

I am hopeful Michelle Milthorpe wins this election because she is really the best of a bad bunch. But I do hope if elected she reconsiders her opposition to the scheme.