Dick Thompson, chairman of Murrumbidgee Irrigation, has hit out at Opposition criticisms of the Federal Government's handling of the problem.

"Whilst freshwater would be a much better solution, there is simply not enough water within practicable reach of the lower lakes to provide this type of solution unless of course [the Coalition] is promoting the removal of water sufficient only for critical human needs and industry," Mr Thompson said.

He said there is "no realistic quick-fix" to the water shortage in the lower lakes or the Basin generally.

"Inflows into the system have been at all-time lows year upon year and while irrigators in Queensland, Victoria and NSW are painted as culprits in some quarters, it should be recognised that many of these people have had little or no allocation for several years," he said.

As such, he said the calls by the Coalition for compulsory acquisition of irrigation entitlements upstream would not have any effect in trying to save the Lower Lakes.