NSW Shadow Spokesperson for Water and Member for Cootamundra, Steph Cooke, was hosted by Cotton Australia to explore key irrigation issues in the Murrumbidgee Valley during a recent visit.

As Opposition Spokesperson, Ms Cooke has committed to increasing her knowledge of water issues across the state. This visit followed a trip to the Macquarie Valley late last year, and a visit to the north of the state is currently in the early stages of planning.

Ms Cooke engaged with industry representatives, irrigation infrastructure operators, and growers during an informal dinner, and took the opportunity to visit growers on-farm, inspect irrigation infrastructure, and tour an operating cotton gin.

Key issues discussed included the risks associated with the NSW Government reverting to the use of “rules-based changes” rather than relying on the market to effect change, water pricing, and the impact of the Murray–Darling Basin Plan on agricultural production and irrigation communities.