The NSW Irrigators Council (NSWIC) held its General Meeting in Sydney this week, marking a leadership transition as Moree cotton grower Jim Cush stepped down as Chair after six and a half years. He was succeeded by Lachlan Valley irrigator Tom Green. Cotton Australia acknowledges Jim’s leadership during his tenure and welcomes Tom to the role.

NSWIC CEO Claire Miller will conclude her role in early July, with the Council commencing a recruitment process to appoint her successor.

The meeting featured presentations from key stakeholders, including Member for Barwon Roy Butler, who is chairing a NSW Parliamentary Inquiry into Water Management; Member for Cootamundra and Shadow Water Spokesperson Steph Cooke; Federal Opposition Water Spokesperson Senator Perin Davey; Yorta Yorta Elder Sonia Cooper; and Murray-Darling Basin Authority CEO Andrew McConville.

Discussions covered significant water policy issues, including the Roy Butler Inquiry, the Connectivity Review, the Unregulated Plans Wetland Mapping, and the review of the Minimum Inflows policy.

The meeting provided important direction for the Council’s work, shaping policy priorities for 2025.