Murray Irrigation welcomes Senator Pocock to Deniliquin

Murray Irrigation welcomed Independent ACT Senator David Pocock to Deniliquin on Saturday, January 28, as part of a weekend information and education tour of the southern Riverina.

The event, which was hosted by Murray Irrigation in collaboration with local community members and organisations, focused on showcasing local examples of agriculture and environment co-existing and thriving together.

Upon Senator Pocock’s arrival at Deniliquin airport, the weekend agenda commenced with a Welcome to Country and Traditional Smoking Ceremony performed by Yarkuwa Indigenous Knowledge Centre’s Liticia Ross.

Over the course of the weekend, Senator Pocock viewed the Deniliquin SunRice mill, visited local farming properties, participated in a demonstration of the Mascotte Escape delivering environmental water, was educated on the cultural and environmental importance of Reed Beds Bird Hide, discussed

the river operations challenges of the Barmah Choke and learned about water management infrastructure at Gulpa Creek offtake. The delegation also enjoyed a game of touch football hosted by the Deniliquin Drovers Rugby Union Club as well as the hospitality of local cafes and restaurants.

Murray Irrigation CEO, Ron McCalman, hailed the weekend a huge success, thanking local organisations, community groups and government representatives for their involvement and support.

“Murray Irrigation is fortunate to have strong relationships with local First Nations organisations such as Yarkuwa Indigenous Knowledge Centre, along with fellow irrigation companies, agricultural organisations such as SunRice, local landholder associations, and representatives from all three levels

of government, who helped to make this weekend possible,” Mr McCalman said.

“Having agriculture and environment work together is a common goal for our region, and we are pleased that Senator Pocock has been able to see in action some of the local modernisation and innovation that is helping achieve this.

“With its rich history of irrigation, the southern Riverina has the right infrastructure in place to lead the way in agricultural and environmental water delivery that operates as one,” Mr McCalman said.

Murray Irrigation is seeking to achieve just this under its Murray Reconnected Floodplains Project. Once complete, this initiative will be Australia’s largest targeted environmental watering project, utilising the company’s vast water delivery network to connect thousands of kilometres of riparian systems and wetlands throughout the Murray floodplain landscape, targeting at-risk ecosystems.

“On behalf of Murray Irrigation, I thank Senator Pocock for taking the time to learn more about our region and the important role it has to play in Australian primary production. We are pleased to have been given the chance to highlight to him the work being undertaken within our local community to provide sustainable environmental watering solutions,” Mr McCalman said.

The weekend’s delegation also included Federal Senator Perin Davey, an advisor from Minister Plibersek’s Office, the Deputy Inspector-General of Water Compliance, the Commonwealth Environmental Water Office, the Murray-Darling Basin Authority, the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Watertrust Australia, One Basis CRC, SunRice Group, Ricegrowers’ Association of Australia, Murrumbidgee Irrigation, Coleambally Irrigation Co-Operative, National Irrigators’ Council, Yarkuwa Indigenous Knowledge Centre, NSW Environment and Heritage, Cummeragunja Local Aboriginal Land Council, Bangerang Aboriginal Corporation, Werai Land and Water Aboriginal Corporation and local advocacy groups.

ENDS.

Media Contact

Stephanie Buller

0447486934

Stephanie.buller@murrayirrigation.com.au