Thompson Joins Parliamentary Debate on Water Reform

17 October 2003

Dick Thompson, Chairman of Murrumbidgee Irrigation, addressed a full house of parliamentary Senators and Members in a Vital Issues Seminar on water reform held in Canberra this week.

The Vital Issues Seminars bring notable speakers from across Australia to the Parliament to give Senators and Members the opportunity to hear expert opinions on important issues.

"It was an honour to be invited to speak to such an influential group of elected representatives", said Mr Thompson. "The discussion was open and it was an ideal forum to deliver our message on sustainable irrigation on behalf of irrigators.

There are some really good things happening in the MIA in terms of water use efficiency and sustainable environmental practices. I think it's really important to make sure our politicians understand it's not all bad news."

Murrumbidgee Irrigation has, for some time, been working to develop fair and equitable trading principles that keep the Murrumbidgee Valley within the CAP.

"Allowing more open trade is only one mechanism to promote better water use efficiency. I believe we have to encourage change via investment in better infrastructure and improved management practices. The water savings derived from investment should be returned to the investors, either public or private", concluded Mr Thompson.

Dick Thompson's presentation at the Vital Issues Seminar can be found on the Murrumbidgee Irrigation website: www.mirrigation.com.au

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