Abbott mauled for talk of Murray-Darling takeover

TONY Abbott's pledge to has been met with widespread disapproval across the irrigation industry

TONY Abbott's pledge to take full control of the Murray-Darling Basin if elected has been met with widespread disapproval across the irrigation industry, with the Opposition Leader accused of a "simplistic" approach to the management of Australia's largest river system.

On Thursday, Mr Abbott said if he led the Coalition to victory at this year's federal election, and the states resisted the idea of a full federal takeover of the Murray-Darling, he would hold a referendum on the issue.

But his proposal attracted criticism yesterday from industry bodies, including the National Farmers Federation, the National Irrigation Council, the Australian Conservation Foundation and the NSW Irrigation Council.

"It's just ridiculous," said Arlene Buchan, rivers spokeswoman for the Australian Conservation Foundation.

"We welcome the fact that he recognises the importance of fixing the problems facing the Murray-Darling, but the idea of a referendum -- and the timing of this proposal -- is extraordinary.

"This is not the time to be throwing a bomb. After so many years, we are finally at a stage where some real progress is being made in regards to the basin. Mr Abbott seems to forget that the current agreement had its origins under the Howard government and, after much negotiations, also has the support of the states."

After decades of state indecision and inability to address over-allocation and the resulting environmental degradation of the basin, the federal government took control of the basin in 2007, although the states retained some operational control.

The Murray-Darling Basin Authority was set up, and given the task of restoring water use to sustainable levels.

Laurie Arthur, chairman of the water committee for the National Farmers Federation, yesterday said Mr Abbott's pledge to take full control of the river system was poorly thought out.

"The issues are so complex, and for Mr Abbott to come out and say that he can fix the river system by the commonwealth taking full control . . . well, I think it's a bit simplistic."

The National Irrigators Council said it did not support a full federal takeover because there was no evidence shifting management from one group of politicians and bureaucrats to another would improve the operation of the system. "The states have already referred some powers to the commonwealth, and the Murray-Darling Basin Authority is engaged in the development of a basin plan that will set new sustainable diversion limits that all basin states will have to comply with," chief executive Danny O'Brien said.