It is clear to see why Bruce's stand as an independent failed.

While there is certainly room for efficiency improvements, given the low profit margins that farmers work to, the investments in infrastructure whilst saving water, will not grow any more crops.

I would suggest that before willy nilly buying water allocations and shutting down farms, and thereby the towns, the savings should be made by subsidising this infrastructure, as trade off for reduced water usage.

This will yield a large portion of the water savings, whilst retaining farming jobs and towns, and perhaps even create a few jobs.

What is proposed is using billions of federal funds to shut down food production, increasing food prices, reduce the tax base and increase the deficit further. This idiocy could only have been dreamt up by the greens.

A little bit of truth, if you do not eat, you don't go to the toilet and you die. If money is first priority create a perceived shortage and people fall into the trap for a fool and his money soon part company.

If governments and people were 'serious' and genuinely 'concerned' about the water issue, Australians would have been buying up on Tanks 20 years ago through significant droughts.

Australians would have lobbied their state governments for partial funding in purchasing Tanks for future/ongoing use.

People choose to continue paying for water..........

Most farmers and graziers have not relied upon rivers, streams and publicly owned dams. Most farmers and graziers have used their own bores, springs and built dams on their properties for water use since the 50's to run a business exporting Australian produce to benefit Australians [little for themselves] in the process. To supply a basic roof over their heads, pay for their expensive running costs, work through droughts, locust plagues, death taxes, et ALL taxes, pay for innoculants, and all of the other 'expensive' running costs, awaiting a cheque annually that is TAXED to the HILT.

If Australians WISH to be fed properly, get 'serious' and support Australian farmers and graziers. If you wish to continue purchasing preservative filled crap imported, pay for high fruit and vegetables, lower our exports and income; do not support farmers and graziers [the majority] who already use their own dams, bores and springs to run businesses that feed your mouths and families' mouths