MEMBER for Riverina Michael McCormack has vowed he will vote against the Murray-Darling Basin Plan (MDBP) if it seeks to return 2750 gigalitres to the basin, in a move which could see him cross the floor and sit with the Greens.
While Mr Cobb wouldn't be drawn on his personal stance, Mr McCormack was emphatic.Mr McCormack toured the Riverina yesterday with opposition spokesman for agriculture, John Cobb.
"If the figure is 2750 then I won't be voting for it ... I can't in all conscience (do that)," he said.
Mr Cobb said he worried for the agriculture industry if the plan balloons to 3200 gigalitres.
"The first comment I'd make is we are talking about the food bowl of Australia," he said.
"We're talking about a part that produces a big part of the nation's fruit and vegetables."
There are only eight days left of Parliament sitting this year and the plan must sit on the table for 15 days after it's submitted.
Speculation is mounting that Water Minister Tony Burke will submit the MDBP on Monday.
When it comes before Parliament it would take two votes against it to force an official vote.
Mr McCormack said he would vote against 2750 gigalitres, meaning he only needs one more person to force the issue.
He may be joined by Greens MP Adam Bandt who is calling for further water to be returned to the system.If that happens and the Coalition resolves to vote in favour of the plan, Mr McCormack would have to cross the floor.
"I really don't think it will come to that," Mr Cobb said yesterday.
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