We already have a conglomerate of independents that obstruct the policies of elected governments through bargaining, in order to achieve their own parochial issues.

In the past wars have been fought over the right to use water. Fortunately, we live in a democracy and hope that it will never come to that here.

However, anger and frustration are causing high levels of anxiety, as there is little sign of drought-breaking rains for landholders and communities residing along our waterways.

The NSW Coalition did not react to the pleas from water users in the Murray and Murrumbidgee irrigation districts resulting in the election of a FSF representative in the seat of Murray.

Voters hoped that a weakened NSW government would need the support of the newly elected member for Murray.

To the surprise of all, the incumbent Coalition was re-elected to government in its own right; thus resulting in neutralising the voice of Murray for the next four years.

RELATED: Troubled waters

The federal election in Farrer presents another decision for voters.

Should they roll the dice again?

Seriously, the possibilities are: a Labor government disinterested in rural Australia with a water policy that will only take more water from agriculture; an independent member for Farrer with no influence on the newly elected government; a re-elected Coalition with an independent representing Farrer; and, a re-elected Coalition government with Farrer sitting at the table.

Voters must choose

Congratulations to Speak Up for Water in being able to get a meeting during Budget week with Prime Minister Scott Morrison to discuss the water crisis in Farrer.

However, I must question why it has taken so long for the PM to be made aware of this crisis in our region. How can he not have known what is going on?

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As I travel across Farrer I see first-hand the struggles being faced by country people through the lack of water.

Unfortunately, in many parts this is not because there is not enough water, but because there has been poor water policy and management by governments.

We have a Murray-Darling Basin Authority that will not stand up for our region because its charter is to send vast quantities of water to South Australia, regardless of the cost, even those these flows are causing significant environmental damage.

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At the same time our farmers have zero or low allocations, so they can't grow food for our nation and other countries throughout the world; nor do they have money to spend in the towns that rely on their income.

The situation is madness and must be fixed. It will be a top priority if I am given the opportunity to serve Farrer in the federal Parliament.

I will be able to work with our local water warriors to achieve common sense solutions.

I won't have to bow to the whims of a party that refuses to take the necessary actions because its marginal city seats are more important than the people I represent.