Last week, Cotton Australia General Manager Michael Murray attended the National Irrigators Council (NIC) AGM and General Meetings in Canberra.

Key discussions focused on the draft National Water Agreement, particularly its emphasis on Indigenous water rights and changes to the Risk Assignment Framework. The meeting also provided an opportunity to refine NIC’s election priorities, which include reinforcing property rights and advocating for significant investment ($500 million annually) into complementary measures.

The Shadow Minister for Water, Senator Perin Davey, addressed the group on the opposition’s preferred approach to the Basin Plan. Attendees also received a briefing from the Murray-Darling Basin Authority on the Menindee Lakes Shepherding trial.

During member discussions, it was emphasised that rule changes as a method of recovering water should be completely opposed, with a continued focus on reinforcing property rights.

At the AGM, Jeremy Morton retired as NIC Chair and Board member, and Coleambally Irrigation Policy and Communication Manager Jenny McLeod was elected as Chair. Renmark Irrigation CEO Rosalie Auricht was elected Vice-Chair, while Cotton Australia's General Manager Michael Murray continues as Treasurer and Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee.

NIC also welcomed Ben Fessey from Olam Agri and Jenna Bell from Murrumbidgee Groundwater/Murrumbidgee Private Diverters to the Board.