Walgett cotton growers raise water concerns

Cotton Australia GM Michael Murray and Cotton Australia Water Policy Officer Marti Beeston with Walgett Cotton Growers representative, Lachie Holz who organised the meeting. Photo: Ian Cole

Story: Kristin Murdock – kmurdock@outbackradio.com.au

Walgett cotton growers have raised concerns about water restrictions, metering costs and ongoing water reform during a meeting with NSW Shadow Water Minister Steph Cooke and representatives from Cotton Australia last week.

The meeting, organised by Walgett Cotton Growers Association chair and local agronomist Lachie Holz, formed part of a tour of north-western NSW examining water-related issues affecting irrigators and regional communities.

Joining Ms Cooke were Cotton Australia General Manager Michael Murray and the organisation’s new Water Policy Officer, Marti Beeston.

Mr Murray said the regional tour provided an opportunity to hear directly from irrigators about the challenges facing the industry, while also introducing Ms Beeston to growers.

“It was a good opportunity to meet up as we were doing a tour of water related issues across northwest New South Wales,” he said.

The group travelled through Moree, Narrabri, Wee Waa, Walgett, Bourke, Tilpa, Wilcannia and Menindee, meeting with water users along the way.

Mr Murray said the turnout at Walgett had been particularly encouraging, with recent rainfall possibly allowing more growers to attend.[…]

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