Water – Barriers to trade and the sustainable capture of surface water

Our key platform has always been enabling greater access to water to enhance productivity, both ground and surface water, which we have an abundant supply of here in the Great South Coast. 

In February we brought together key stakeholders for a frank and open discussion on the barriers to trade with representatives from DEECA, Southern Rural Water, Wannon Water and the Glenelg Hopkins CMA, allowing local primary producers to express first-hand their frustrations and ideas to overcome current prohibitive rules and practices that are severely limiting our region’s potential.

We had an overwhelming response to this meeting, attracting primary producers from across the region. Whilst there is still undoubtedly a long way to go, we have started the discussion, and government agencies are listening and actively working towards a more efficient and equitable use of our abundant water resources. With their cooperation we are optimistic that our region is finally on the right path to enabling a more effective and efficient use of our water resources to boost the value of production.

Minutes of the meeting are available here