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Tuesday, 13 October 2009 The Ricegrowers’ Association of Australia, Inc (RGA) today welcomed the release of the 2009 Biennial Assessment report of the National Water Commission into progress toward the National Water Initiative. RGA President, Les Gordon, was in Canberra for a pre-release briefing and said that the report shows that, while there has been some progress made under very tough conditions, there is still a long way to go and there will be many challenges ahead. Mr Gordon said “While the report does show progress, it also draws attention to deficiencies and inequities in the process and these are what have been causing major concern for our members”. The Chairman of the NWC, Ken Matthews, noted that the pace of water reform has slowed on almost every front. Today, 40% of the local water plans promised by state governments are still unfinished, and many existing water plans have been suspended due to deepening drought and low flows in southern Australia. “Our irrigators – those who produce our food and fibre - and the regional communities and industries which depend on them need the water reform process to succeed so that they can look forward to a more secure and sustainable future”, Mr Gordon said. Mr Gordon said, “The RGA looks forward to considering the recommendations of the NWC report in detail and to working with governments and other stakeholders to get water reform back on track to secure the long term future of both irrigators and the environment.” CONTACT |
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