The Australian Government has had the opportunity to formally hear some of the prospects and challenges associated with the growing cotton industry across Northern Australia.

Following a submission lodged earlier this year, Cotton Australia’s Northern Manager Simone Cameron and General Manager Michael Murray were invited to appear before the Parliamentary Joint Standing Committee on Northern Australia’s inquiry into preparing for emerging industries across the region.

Appearing online, Ms Cameron addressed questions on cotton’s resilience to climate risks and outlined opportunities for greater engagement with and involvement of Indigenous Australians.

The committee was also interested in export supply chains from Northern Australia. Ms Cameron confirmed that cotton is currently exported through both the Port of Wyndham and the Port of Darwin, and undertook to provide further information on how the economics of these ports compare with those in southern Australia.

Following the construction and opening of cotton gins in Katherine and Kununurra, the committee also asked about the potential for a gin in North Queensland. Mr Murray noted there is genuine interest in developing a gin in the region, which has been identified as a priority under the Queensland Government’s Prosper 2050 planning process.

The committee also explored opportunities for further cotton processing in Australia. Mr Murray said there is interest, but noted that the return of a spinning and weaving industry would depend on access to competitively priced energy.

Ms Cameron also discussed the synergies between the beef and cotton industries, particularly the nutritional value of cottonseed.