Water is arguably the single most important asset on a cotton grower's balance sheet — and right now, policy decisions being made in Canberra will shape how that asset is managed for decades to come. 

At the 2026 Australian Cotton Conference, Cotton Australia General Manager Michael Murray will moderate a session dedicated entirely to water policy. With two major government reviews running simultaneously — the first 10-year review of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan and a review of the Commonwealth Water Act — the timing couldn't be more critical. 

Delegates can expect real insight from inside the process. Andrew McConville, CEO of the Murray-Darling Basin Authority, is expected to share where the Authority is leaning following the close of submissions, which attracted around 2,500 responses, and the recently released "What We've Heard" report.  

Cotton Australia's position on the Basin Plan Review is clear: there is no case for further water acquisition. What is needed is a more holistic approach to Basin management that genuinely optimises environmental outcomes — one that addresses issues like European carp, fish passages, cold water pollution, and riparian zones. The industry also has specific concerns about proposals to improve connectivity in the northern basin, where Cotton Australia believes the evidence base is simply not there. 

The session also goes beyond the Basin Plan. Representatives from the National Irrigators' Council, NSW Irrigation Council, and Queensland Farmers' Federation will speak to the top water issues facing growers in their states — with plenty of opportunity for questions to these experts from the floor. 

Rounding out the session are scientists working on issues that sit at the intersection of environment and irrigation: Dr Joe Pereira on the proposed release of the carp herpes virus and its likely effectiveness, and Tom Rainer reporting on outcomes from the NSW Government's fish screen installation program. 

According to Michael Murray “your water that underpins your farming businesses and your communities remains under threat — and right now your water future is being determined in policy rooms”.  

Water Policy, What's At Stake  

9.00am – 10.30am 

Thursday 6th August 

  2026 Australian Cotton Conference