Earlier this week Cotton Australia hosted a dinner at the NSW Parliament with key state ministers to discuss priorities for the cotton industry and regional communities.

The Hon. Tara Moriarty MLC, Minister for Agriculture and Minister for Regional New South Wales, was joined by The Hon. Rose Jackson MLC, Minister for Water and Minister for Housing, and The Hon. Steve Whan MP, Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education. Their senior advisers for water, agriculture, biosecurity and training also attended the event.

Cotton Australia Chair Liz Stott welcomed guests and outlined key issues facing the industry in NSW, including the negative impact “Rules-Based Changes” have on the reliability of irrigation entitlements. In her remarks, Minister Moriarty acknowledged the significant economic contribution of the cotton industry to the state and its regional communities, and recognised the industry’s ongoing use of research to improve performance.

The dinner also welcomed newly appointed NSW Irrigators’ Council CEO Dr Madeliene Hartley.

The evening provided an opportunity to foster stronger collaboration and open dialogue between government and the cotton industry.