Farm Tender

Cotton Australia says good move to appoint an IAC

Cotton Australia has welcomed moves by the Murray Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) to strengthen compliance measures by announcing the membership of an Independent Assurance Committee (IAC).

The IAC is to advise the MDBA on the design, implementation and adequacy of the MDBA's Basin Plan compliance program. The members are Allan Holmes, Lisa Corbyn, Garry Smith and Martin Dolan.

"Cotton Australia welcomes the announcement by the MDBA of the membership of the Independent Assurance Committee as a step forward for strengthened compliance measures in the Basin," says Cotton Australia General Manager, Michael Murray.

"The IAC is the latest example of the Government moving to implement recommendations which followed media reports and the numerous inquiries they prompted last year."

"The MDBA's Committee is the latest addition to the water regulatory regime, joining the Natural Resources Access Regulator (NRAR) announced by the NSW Government in December 2017, and which is chaired by the Hon. Craig Knowles."

"As we have stated previously Cotton Australia has zero tolerance for water theft. Our organisation, and the growers it represents, is committed to a transparent and cost-effective compliance system that gives all stakeholders confidence in water management mechanisms."

"However, we would urge both the NSW Government and MDBA to clearly acknowledge each other's jurisdictions in other to avoid costly and unnecessary duplication."

"Cotton Australia looks forward to working with these new federal and state agencies to strengthen water compliance and rebuild trust by the community in irrigating farmers who provide the nation's food and fibre."