Murray Valley Winegrowers’ Incorporated is the latest group to join the National Irrigators’ Council.
Based in Sunraysia in Victoria and covering the area from Mildura to Swan Hill in Victoria and the Wentworth, Balranald and Wakool shires in NSW, Murray Valley Winegrowers’ represents the interests of about 700 winegrowers.
National Irrigators’ Council CEO, Danny O’Brien, welcomed the new group to the NIC, the first from Victoria’s Sunraysia region.
“We are delighted to welcome Murray Valley Winegrowers’ to the nation’s peak irrigator representative body and we look forward to working closely with the organisation on water matters.
“Secure water is of course critical to wine production in the Murray Valley and we recognise the interest of winegrowers in ensuring that their rights as irrigators are protected.”
Murray Valley Winegrowers’ CEO, Mike Stone, said his organisation saw the value of being part of the National Irrigators’ Council.
“More and more decisions relating to water are being taken in Canberra and we see it as important on behalf of our members to have a seat at the table to make sure their water interests are protected.
“The forthcoming Murray – Darling Basin Plan is likely to have a significant impact on our industry and it is essential that we have strong input to that plan. We believe we can best do that through the NIC.”
Mr O’Brien said Murray Valley Winegrowers’ were the second Victorian group to join the NIC in as many months, further cementing the NIC’s representation across all Basin states and key irrigation industries.
“We have plenty of work to do to protect the rights of irrigators across the country, including in the Murray Darling Basin, and it’s great that we are getting new members to help develop our resources to ensure we are successful in that fight.
“Irrigators and industries dependent on water need to stand united in the face of significant challenges ahead and the NIC provides a strong, united voice for irrigators at a time when many decisions affecting their livelihoods are being taken in Canberra,” Mr O’Brien concluded.
Media contacts: Danny O’Brien (02) 6273 3637 or 0438 130 445 Mike Stone (03) 5021 3911