Murray Irrigation chair Phil Snowden and CEO Ron McCalman were in the national capital for three days, during which they attended the National Irrigators Council annual general meeting and also had discussions with personnel from various government departments.
Mr Snowden said they attended several meetings with ministerial representatives, government agencies and industry groups to discuss the current national water reforms.
On Thursday they attended the NIC AGM, where federal Water Minister Tanya Plibersek provided an update on the government's water reforms and its draft strategy for delivering the Murray-Darling Basin Plan.
Mr Snowden said he asked Ms Plibersek the following question during the meeting:
“Minister, you are well aware of the challenges facing our irrigation areas and remaining irrigators from previous water recovery programs. You support structural adjustment. Will you work with us to implement a program to protect the viability of our networks for remaining irrigators in group schemes so they can keep producing food for all Australians?”
Mr Snowden said the minister confirmed her understanding of the issues impacting our region and acknowledged the relationships Murray Irrigation, Murrumbidgee Irrigation and Coleambally Irrigation have built with her department over the years and the assistance they provide in addressing these issues to secure the future of irrigated agriculture.
Strengthening ties with these other Irrigation Infrastructure Operators was a focus during the week, including a united position on the new water legislation passed before Christmas; the Federal Water Amendment (Restoring our Rivers) Act 2023.
“While there is still a degree of uncertainty around how the Act will be implemented, it is encouraging we are able to partake in these open discussions and voice the concerns of our respective areas,” Mr Snowden said.
The three IIOs met directly with representatives from the office of Ms Plibersek and the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW).
“These discussions were primarily focused on the design of the Restoring Our Rivers Program, voluntary water buybacks and the Sustainable Rivers Program outlined in the draft framework released by Minister Plibersek at the end of January,” Mr Snowden said.
He said the three IIOs collectively emphasised the importance of ongoing engagement with not only the water delivery companies, but the communities they support to ensure funding pathways and structural adjustment packages are clear and targeted for maximum benefit to irrigation communities.
“It is no secret our community is facing an uncertain period in relation to water reform, and water buybacks are still a likely threat to the area.
“However, the relationships Murray Irrigation has built with all levels of government, as well as showing unity as a southern irrigation group, is positive. It is giving Murray Irrigation a seat at the table, and a platform to participate in policy discussions and advise in the best interest of our shareholders,” Mr Snowden said.
Both Mr Snowden and Mr McCalman also met with the Commonwealth Environmental Water Office (CEWO) and the Murray Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) to discuss ongoing water delivery agreements.
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