Submissions close Friday 29 September after the Senate referred the Water Amendment (Restoring Our Rivers) Bill 2023 to the Environment and Communications Legislation Committee for inquiry.

The Senate referred the bill to the Committee on the 7^th of September 2023, allowing only three weeks for all interested stakeholders to lodge their submissions.

Cotton Australia General Manager and water specialist Michael Murray has lodged a submission to the Committee on behalf of all growers.

Mr Murray said the decision to extend the timeframes on Sustainable Diversion Limit Adjustment Mechanism projects (605GL “Downwater”) is welcomed however there is widespread disappointment that the government chose to announce the return of buybacks seemingly before alternatives, including those suggested by CA, were even considered.

In the Senate the Government will need the support of the Coalition which appears unlikely, the Greens who have indicated they are against the Bill, and at least two Independents.

The Senate report is due by November 8, 2023.

Read the Cotton Australia Submission