The Ricegrowers' Association of Australia supports a clear and transparent water market

04/08/2020

The Ricegrowers' Association of Australia (RGA) supports a clear and transparent water market, and in particular an accessible public register of water trade for the Southern Connected System, both at a inter and intra valley level.

The RGA neither supported or opposed either of the two current Water Transparency Bills before the NSW Parliament. Rather, the RGA advocates consistency with our policy positions, which are formulated by the RGA Water Policy Committee.

The RGA seeks:

  • An open and transparent water market;
  • A national platform/exchange for water trade;
  • Regulation of water brokers to minimise risk for market;
  • Instantaneous trade of water and real time trading reports;
  • and Standardisation of national laws and rules for water trade.

The RGA is extremely disappointed that our organisation has been used in a political stoush. RGA holds dear its responsibility to represent the interests of members, and the current political posturing is putting at risk not only our reputation, but also the trust of our members. 

All in all, the RGA simply seeks a solution to our growers’ water trade transparency woes. We have continuously lobbied for an open and transparent water market, and we are not stopping now.

Rob Massina, 

President,
Ricegrowers' Association of Australia