irrigation

Many of John Kerin’s initiatives — especially in agriculture — were monumental and have stood the test of time, says Geoff Gorrie.

Tasmania and the federal government are contributing a combined $20 million for two water infrastructure projects to support local farmers.

Governance failures in the water market have led to understandable frustration.

Accidental leaked private discussions appear to back up the state corruption watchdog’s recent finding that the bureaucrats in charge of water management have favoured the interests of irrigators.

The gulf between the alternate realities of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan grows wider, as this week’s edition of Four Corners shows Commonwealth funding for more efficient water use on farms has paid for an infrastructure boom, allowing them to extract more from rivers.

The Department of Agriculture and Water Resources is now in line for extra scrutiny along with the Murray-Darling Basin Authority, if there is a change of government, after intervening in the politically charged controversy over a certain $79 million water buy-back during caretaker period.