Involved in the discussions were NSWIC chair Jim Cush, CEO Luke Simpkins and Deniliquin-based deputy chair Rachel Kelly.
‘‘Although I have known Keith Pitt for several years and have been in touch with the minister since his appointment, this was the first opportunity for the chair and deputy chair to have a detailed conversation about water policy and management,’’ Mr Simpkins said.
‘‘We covered a number of important topical issues such as our strong opposition to further water recovery and particularly buy-backs, addressing the Murray Darling Basin agreement issues, the importance of countering misinformation and the importance of supporting family farms and longstanding enterprises above recent plantation developments.
‘‘We also argued for greater flexibility for supply measure projects, however stated our opposition to infrastructure works that attempted to bypass the chokes on the Murray.
‘‘In addition to that, we spoke about the lack of action on the almost 50 Murray Darling Basin related inquiries that have taken place, from which their hundreds of recommendations remain unaddressed.
‘‘Finally, the need for an increased focus on the economic value of New South Wales irrigated agriculture was also discussed.’’
Mr Simpkins said the NSWIC looks forward to working together with the federal minister in a constructive manner, with the aim of ‘‘strongly supporting the interests of NSW irrigated agriculture’’.
‘‘As always, we reiterated that NSWIC may not agree on every issue with minister, shadow ministers or the officials, but we will always be respectful and genuine,’’ he said.
