In a recent public hearing held by a Senate Committee, Michael Murray, general manager of Cotton Australia, represented cotton growers on an NFF-organised panel to discuss the Water Amendment (Restoring Our Rivers) Bill 2023. Murray expressed the industry’s disappointment with the government’s decision to resume water buybacks before exploring alternative solutions.

Murray welcomed the extension of timeframes on Sustainable Diversion Limit Adjustment Mechanism projects, commonly referred to as ‘605GL Downwater’. However, he warned that water buybacks could severely impact rural and regional communities such as Dirranbandi and Collarenebri, that rely heavily on the cotton industry for employment, according to an article by him published by Cotton Australia.

Senator Perin Davey questioned the source of Murray’s data, which he confirmed was from Murray Darling Basin Plan (MDBP) documentation. The senator highlighted the document had disappeared off the MDBP website and she stated she would investigate.

Greens senator Sarah Hanson Young, a vocal critic of the cotton industry, questioned the employment statistics presented. Murray defended his numbers, arguing they were both fair and likely an underestimate.

Additionally, Murray cited a recent report from the MBDP which indicated that although the Basin Plan may not have hit its water recovery targets, the basin-wide water consumption is well below the plan’s allowed take. Over the last three years, this has accumulated a surplus of 3000GL, thereby providing more water for environmental use than initially planned.

The Senate Committee has slated November 2 for Questions on Notice responses, with the final Senate report due on November 8, 2023.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (NB)

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