Goulburn Murray Water’s (GMW) approach in dictating who represents the Pyramid Boort irrigation community is yet another ill-conceived and heavy handed decision, following on from its sacking of the duly elected Pyramid Boort Water Services Committee late last year, said the Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF).

VFF President Andrew Broad said GMW sacked the Committee for allegedly being dysfunctional and ineffective, despite many members of the Committee having served for extensive periods and having the support of the community which it represented. 

“This was a wrong decision made worse by today’s announcement. This heavy handed approach is contrary to the wishes of the Pyramid Boort irrigation community who believe that the sacked Committee should be reinstated,” said Mr Broad

“A public meeting attended by more than 200 hundred locals gave the sacked Committee members full support with a unanimous call for their reinstatement.

“The decision by GMW to ignore these calls and dictate to the community rather than allowing the community to elect the representatives that they have confidence in is a disgrace.

“At the very least an election should be called as soon as possible to ensure that the Pyramid Boort community has a say in who represents them. Democracy is a fundamental principle of our society and a failure to allow the irrigation community to elect their own Committee is treating them with contempt.

“There is no choice now but for State Water Minister, Tim Holding to uphold our democratic principles and direct GMW to conduct an election for the Pyramid Boort Water Services Committee,” concluded Mr Broad.

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