May 1 brings the formal close of the 12-week consultation period on the Murray-Darling Basin Plan Review.

Cotton Australia like so many peak bodies, local groups and individuals have lodged submissions to the Review.

Cotton Australia’s submission can be viewed here, and CA has also actively worked with National Irrigators Council, National Farmer’s Federation, NSW Irrigators Council and Queensland Farmer’s Federation in the preparation of their submissions.

As a high-level summary, the above submissions argued:

There is no need for any further water acquisition

The focus needs to shift to more holistic management to leverage environmental outcome

There needs to be a concentrated effort aimed at the eradication of European Carp.

The Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder must drive efficiency with its own water use, to optimise environmental outcomes.

If any water acquisition is required, it must be through the market and not through rule-based changes.

Cotton Australia was part of the National Irrigators Council General Meeting in Sydney last week, where its submission was finalised, as well as work on its upcoming Menindee Management Review submission.