Cotton, irrigators support water portfolio shift

Australia's cotton industry has welcomed news that federal responsibility for water has passed from the environment portfolio to the Department of Agriculture and its minister, Barnaby Joyce.

"Cotton Australia and other irrigator groups had been concerned that the social and economic impacts associated with the Murray–Darling Basin Plan had not received the attention they deserved, so we are pleased that responsibility for water has shifted to the agriculture portfolio," said Cotton Australia General Manager Michael Murray.

"We are absolutely committed to the Basin Plan delivering environmental outcomes, but we cannot ignore the social and economic impacts.

"No doubt, critics of the shift will express concern that water no longer resides within the Department of Environment, but it should be remembered that any changes to the Murray–Darling Basin Plan must pass through both houses of parliament.

"Furthermore, all indications are currently pointing to the government's continued commitment to the implementation of the Murray–Darling Basin Plan in full.

"With responsibility for water now within the agriculture portfolio, Cotton Australia and other irrigator groups such as the National Irrigators Council are looking forward to the government's response to last year's Water Act Review.

"In addition, the recently commenced Senate Select Committee Inquiry into the Murray–Darling Basin Plan should provide additional insight into the positive and negative impacts of the Plan for Minister Joyce to consider."