A co-operative approach to water reforms

New research into the impact of water reforms on New South Wales irrigators and how they can benefit from an increased emphasis on co-operatives will be revealed at a seminar at Charles Sturt University (CSU) later this week.

The half-day seminar, to be held on Friday, will be hosted by the Australian Centre for Co-operative Research and Development (ACCORD), a joint CSU and University of Technology Sydney (UTS) research initiative.

CSU Associate Professor, ACCORD co-director Eddie Oczkowski and UTS researcher Kathryn Parker will unveil their findings into the impact of water reforms as well as the existing and potential advantages for irrigators in expanding the role of co-operatives in the water market.

A collective approach to rural water management can reduce costs and lead to improved market power for irrigators as well as increased investment in the sector to reduce the salinity effects of water use.

A number of speakers at the ACCORD seminar will demonstrate the success of co-operatives in Hunter Valley vineyards and discuss the overseas experience in water co-operation. Speakers will also discuss co-operation in developing water management catchment plans and co-operation among irrigators in Murrumbidgee irrigation.

The forum - Water Reform, Co-operation and the Role of Cooperatives will be held from 8.30am to 1pm at the CSU Wagga Wagga Campus Convention Centre this Friday 21 February 2003.

Item provided courtesy of Charles Sturt University