Yesterday, Cotton Australia Chair Nigel Burnett hosted one of his regular online catch-ups with Cotton Grower Association Chairs.

Joined by Deputy Chair Liz Stott, CEO Adam Kay, and General Manager Michael Murray, Nigel briefed the CGA Chairs on Cotton Australia’s work regarding the Paraquat review, spray drift mitigation, and the Cotton Industry Roadmap.

This was followed by an opportunity for all the Chairs to provide updates on their valleys, including the top issues growers are seeking Cotton Australia’s support with. While water was once again a key issue, Chairs also raised concerns about the risk of spray drift this season and the recently introduced subscription option for WAND Tower access. They noted that this could act as a disincentive for some operators to take full advantage of the WAND Network. The Chairs asked Cotton Australia to explore alternative funding models.

The 3G shutdowns have heightened dissatisfaction with Australia’s mobile network and its lack of effective coverage over much of rural Australia. The Chairs called on Cotton Australia to continue its advocacy in this space.

The CGAs also requested that Cotton Australia work with them to provide governance and media training. Other issues raised included local research priorities, concerns around seed quality, water pricing, and, for NSW growers, the current wetland listings in the draft Unregulated Water Sharing Plans.