National Water Initiative

2 September 2003

Murrumbidgee Irrigation Chairman Dick Thompson congratulates John Anderson and Craig Knowles on their role in COAG's plans for the National Water Initiative.

"This is a real breakthrough in the debate on water reform. The collaboration between governments demonstrates the commitment all parties have to finding the right solution for all Australians. In addition, $500 million funding will make a significant contribution to the advancement of a solution to the nation's water crisis", said Mr Thompson.

"The road to water reform will not be easy and there is still a long way to go. Key issues identified in the National Water Initiative include:

• water access entitlements providing security for irrigators;
  

• protection of environmental flow regimes providing security for the rivers;
  

• protection of the MDBC CAP principles providing security for the future;
  

• stable trading regimes providing the best, most productive use of water;
  

• optimum management of water both in the river and on farms; and
  

• improving infrastructure to protect our precious water resource.

"We thank John Anderson and Craig Knowles for taking this important first step toward delivering real change," concluded Mr Thompson.

ends