At the meeting, organised by the Concerned Shareholders Group, stakeholders voiced strong concerns over the company’s new pricing and water management strategy, calling for greater transparency, improved consultation and an independent review of upcoming changes.
They questioned the board’s decision to replace fixed delivery entitlement fees with higher variable water delivery charges and to alter the management of efficiency water.
Critics argue the reforms could increase costs for active water users and reduce access to water that was originally intended to benefit irrigators through modernisation investments.
Concerns were also raised about limited access to financial modelling and what some described as inadequate communication from the board, although MIL chair Phil Snowden defended the changes and the way it was communicated saying extensive consultation had occurred and detailed information remains available to shareholders.
In the days that followed the meeting, the Concerned Shareholders Group launched the petition.
It asks shareholders to support an immediate pause on the current fees and prices, request full disclosure of the key financial modelling and assumptions, and calls for a cooperative review process with the Murray Irrigation Board before the new framework becomes embedded.
A dedicated website has also been set up by the Concerned Shareholders Group to provide shareholders with supporting documents and background material.
Group spokesperson Marty Robertson stressed that the group’s objective is not confrontation, but “accountability and constructive engagement”.
“This is about getting the facts on the table before decisions become locked in,” Mr Robertson said.
“Shareholders are not asking for conflict. We want to work cooperatively with the Murray Irrigation Board, but we believe the current fees and prices should be paused immediately while shareholders are given a proper opportunity to understand, test and respond to the proposed changes.
“Water is more than an accounting entry. It underpins farm businesses, local jobs, service industries and the future of our towns.
“That is why shareholders deserve a clear, evidence-based explanation before major policy changes become embedded and difficult to unwind.
“The petition gives every shareholder a direct opportunity to support a pause, demand transparency and help shape a constructive review before these changes become locked in.”
To view the Concerned Shareholders Group’s concerns and support the petition, go to www.MILCSG.com.au.
For full details on MIL’s framework is available at https://www.murrayirrigation.com.au/fee-structure-review-2026.
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