"The impending Government purchase of Toorale Station between Bourke and Louth on the Darling no doubt has the potential to provide a significant amount of water from the Warrego River into the Darling," Mr Humphries said.

"To take this 90,000 hectare operational property out of production without any ongoing management plan or commitment to community adjustment strategies will be a big blow to communities such as Bourke.

"Current owners Clyde Ag have been a major employer in the area and good corporate citizen in maintaining a strong presence in Bourke in very difficult times."

But Mr Humphries said that unless the Government is open and transparent about a plan for River communities the potential to have a negative effect on Bourke is quite significant.

"National Parks do not pay rates, they contribute little to the local economy in western NSW," he said.

"Historically the NSW Government does not put the resources into management, and neighbouring properties to National Parks constantly complain about feral animal and weed control and there is little understanding of environmental outcomes and maintaining biodiversity."

Mr Humphries said that if Toorale and other significant properties are to be purchased it needs to be on the understanding the Government has local community benefit in its sights and ongoing management would be properly allocated.

"As these purchases are enacted it is the Government’s responsibility to ensure that no one is left behind," he said.