THE federal government is under pressure to rewrite the Water Act after the head of the Murray-Darling Basin Authority, Mike Taylor, resigned with a blunt warning that the legislation requires the environment be given priority over rural communities.
But Prime Minister Julia Gillard yesterday stuck to the government's interpretation of the controversial act, arguing that it could allow environmental goals to be balanced with social and economic outcomes, The Australian Financial Review reports.
Opposition Leader Tony Abbott said the resignation showed the government's approach to the Murray-Darling reforms was an "absolute disaster". And Coalition water spokesman Barnaby Joyce said Mr Taylor's comments confirmed there was confusion about the legislation and it must be re-examined.
"The desire of the Parliament has been for a triple bottom-line approach. If it's become apparent that's not delivered in the Water Act, then it should be amended so it is delivered," he said.
National Irrigators Council chief executive Danny O'Brien said yesterday Mr Taylor's statement confirmed fears that the Water Act did not allow for proper consideration of the costs to communities.
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