ANCID Conference a Success

12 September 2002

Australian National Committee for Irrigation and Drainage (ANCID) Conference 2002 held in Griffith last week, hosted by Murrumbidgee Irrigation, was an outstanding success.

300 visitors from all over Australia descended on Griffith to sample our regional hospitality. The Conference spaned four days and provided many opportunities for visitors to sample local wines and produce and visit the business centre of Griffith.

"The value of opportunities such as this to showcase our area to a national audience cannot be underestimated," said Geoff Hipkins, Chief Executive of Murrumbidgee Irrigation. "Many of the delegates attending the Conference had not ventured to this part of the State before. A number of visitors expressed their surprise to find such a vibrant and progressive community 'tucked away' in the Riverina."

"In addition to promoting the local area, the Conference threw a national spotlight onto the major issues facing our irrigation farmers", continued Mr Hipkins, "John Aquilina, Minister for Land & Water Conservation, and Warren Truss, State Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries & Forestry, attended the Conference and spoke to many delegates about water management issues. It is rare to have an opportunity to bring industry leaders and policy makers together in an open forum.

It is important that we keep water policy on the national agenda and in the minds of our city counterparts. Water reform is an issue for all Australians and it is imperative that the debate remains balanced. George Negus chaired a Conference session and interviewed guests at the Networking dinner held at the Griffith Ex-Servicemen's Club on Monday night. He expressed the need to take the issues raised at the Conference to a wider public forum."

ANCID 2002 received generous sponsorship from many local and national organisations. We are indebted to these organisations for making such a significant event possible. Sponsors included: Department of Agriculture, Fisheries & Forestry; Griffith City Council; NPIRID; Tyco; Coleambally Irrigation; Goulburn-Murray water; Murray Irrigation Limited; CSIRO; Rubicon; Murray Darling Basin Commission; Sinclair Knight Merz; SnowyHydro; Department of Land & Water Conservation; MIA EnviroWise; Country Energy; Telstra - Pat Pittavio; Riverina Office Machines; Mastech Asia Pacific Pty Ltd; IHD; SunWater; SunRice.

ends

For further information contact: Geoff Hipkins, Chief Executive, phone: 6953 0100