NATIONAL WATER INITIATIVE

25 June 2004

Dick Thompson, Chairman of Murrumbidgee Irrigation welcomed the Prime Minister's announcement from the National Water Initiative today.

Mr Thompson congratulated NSW Minister Craig Knowles and paid tribute to the cooperative efforts of the Ricegrower's Association of Australia, NSW Irrigators Council, National Farmers Federation and other commodity groups who have worked closely with Murrumbidgee Irrigation representatives on these negotiations.

"Today's announcement has brought security and certainty of entitlements for irrigators", said Mr Thompson.

Murrumbidgee Irrigation Directors have already begun consultation to ensure the community has confidence that a more open water trading regime as required by the Initiative delivers benefits to all parties.

"I look forward to the opportunity for irrigators and environmentalists to work more closely to deliver the best results for the community and the environment.

Clearly there are ways to improve the management of water to achieve the best environmental outcomes and at the same time minimise the impacts on irrigators," concluded Mr Thompson.

Ends
For further information contact Geoff Hipkins, 02 6953 0100.