Lead claimant Chris Brooks said it had taken many months to compile the relevant evidence and data required for the class action to be successful.
And after many weeks of intense due diligence, negotiations with the firm funding the legal case have been finalised.
“This work is complete and they are satisfied we have a very good case," Mr Brooks said.
"We have since negotiated an arrangement for them to provide all farmers with a 'no win – no fee' deal. They have appointed a global law firm, Squires Patton & Boggs, to manage the case presently before the Supreme Court in Sydney."
Mr Brooks said the new legal team would amend the pleadings to include all the claimants (irrigators) who have recently signed up with Aqua Law and the funding agreement would be registered on the same day, being September 18, 2019.
Mr Brooks reminded irrigators that in the event of a win, damages can only be claimed for the water owned by the irrigators who have registered as part of the class action.
“The settlement from this case will be distributed only to those irrigators who have signed up by September 18, and who hold Murray General Security water entitlements.
“I encourage those not registered to do so immediately, as they have nothing to lose and everything to gain, including making the MDBA manage the water rights of the Murray into the future so we can again have a reliable water supply and become profitable again.”
Mr Brooks said he wanted to clarify that the class action was not a Southern Riverina Irrigators initiative and has no involvement with SRI. He said there was some confusion over this issue when an SRI logo was inadvertently attached to previous communication from Aqua Law.
A representative from the litigation funder will be in the region this week. A meeting was held in Berrigan yesterday, with others in Deniliquin today, Moama or Moulamein tomorrow, Tocumwal on Thursday and Finley on Friday.
Anyone requiring more information is asked to Mr Brooks on 0419 505 404, or your Landholder Association chair.
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