NSW Shadow Water spokesperson tours Macquarie Valley

Cotton Australia recently accompanied the NSW Shadow Minister for Water and her advisor on a tour of the Macquarie Valley to hear more about the cotton industry and its positive contribution to the region.

Cotton Australia CEO Adam Kay and General Manager Michael Murray accompanied the Shadow Minister and Member for Cootamundra, Steph Cooke and her water advisor Mark MacNamara.

Over a day and a half, the MP met with Macquarie Valley Cotton Growers Association Chair Billy Browning, inspecting his newly installed pump fish screen and observing emerging cotton on a bankless channel layout.

The Shadow Minister also visited the Gin Gin Weir to discuss the need for its replacement and toured the Trangie-Nevertire Irrigation Scheme, guided by local grower and scheme upgrade architect Tony Quigley.

Grower Tony Quigley, with Steph and Michael Michael inspecting the fish screens on the Trangie Nevertire scheme pump site at Gin Gin
Grower Tony Quigley, with Steph and Michael Michael inspecting the fish screens on the Trangie Nevertire scheme pump site at Gin Gin

Alongside these stops, the Shadow Minister visited one of Tony’s family farms to view cotton and a travelling irrigator, stopped by the Australian Food and Fibre Gin and Logistics Centre in Warren, met with growers at the Nevertire Pub, and explored “Burrima,” a Macquarie Marshes wetland site, with growers Glen Whittaker and Michael Egan.

An informal dinner at the Nevertire pub with Steph and growers
An informal dinner at the Nevertire pub with Steph and growers

Adam Kay said Steph was incredibly engaged. “Steph was keen to gain a deeper understanding of water management and key issues across the state including the proposed new National Water Agreement, the implementation of the Basin Plan, and specific Macquarie Valley concerns, such as the Gin Gin Weir, Burrendong Dam’s storage capacity, water pricing, and enhancing environmental outcomes in the Macquarie Marshes.”

“We’re very appreciative of Steph and Mark for taking the time to see these issues firsthand, and to the growers who hosted them, especially with winter crop harvest underway. The Macquarie Valley is showing some promising results from this season’s crops,” added Adam.

Mark MacNamara, water advisor, Michael Egan, grower, Steph Cooke, Glen Whittaker, grower, and Adam Kay
From left: Mark MacNamara, water advisor, grower Michael Egan, Shadow Minister and Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke, grower Glen Whittaker and Adam Kay
Mark, Steph and Adam in the field at Narramine Station inspecting recently emerged cotton and discussing agronomy and GM technology
Mark, Steph and Adam in the field at Narramine Station inspecting recently emerged cotton and discussing agronomy and GM technology

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