Talking Water - Tuesday 10 December, 2024

IPART 2025-2030 water price review.

As communicated in last week’s Talking Water and via Customer Update, Murray Irrigation has made a submission to IPART outlining our concerns about the proposed WaterNSW and Water Administration Ministerial Corporation (WAMC) charge increases.
 
Within this submission, Murray Irrigation has made 28 recommendations for IPART to consider.
 
We will keep you up to date regarding this review and will continue our efforts to address this serious matter regarding these proposed charges. 
 
You can view the full submission via the link below.

Summer safety warning - swim safe this summer

With temperatures heating up and the school holidays fast approaching, Murray Irrigation is imploring communities across its footprint to avoid using irrigation channels to cool off this summer, and to stick to safe swimming spots such as local pools.
 
Acting CEO Nathan Holahan cautioned that swimming in Murray Irrigation channels is not only prohibited, but extremely dangerous.
 
You can read more about the dangers of swimming in irrigation channels in the below media release.

Murray Plains Meat Cooperative Launches Crowdfunding Campaign

The Murray Plains Meat Cooperative (MPMC), a farmer-owned organisation based in Barham, has launched a crowdfunding campaign to secure the future of ethical, small-scale farming in the Central Murray district.

Established in 2019 by local farmers, the cooperative aims to provide much-needed livestock processing options, addressing the challenges faced by small-scale producers in an increasingly centralised industry. In 2023, the cooperative’s state-of-the-art multi-species micro-abattoir was completed with government funding. Now, they’re seeking community support to expand operations and create local jobs.

“Recent closures of large abattoirs to small-scale processing have left many farmers with limited options,” said MPMC.

“This is our opportunity to bridge the gap and support the producers who form the backbone of our regional economy.”

The crowdfunding campaign highlights the cooperative’s commitment to transparency, ethical treatment of animals and humans, and quality. 

The Murray Plains Meat Cooperative invites community members, local businesses, and supporters of ethical farming to donate and be part of a transformative initiative.

2025 Jan Cathcart Scholarships open

The Jan Cathcart Scholarship program was launched in 2014 to honour the memory of long-term SunRice Group employee Jan Cathcart and to recognise her high principles, commitment and 43 year contribution to the rice industry, the SunRice Group, as well as our shareholders and growers. It is designed to support women who demonstrate a passion for the rice industry.

The scholarship is open to female shareholders, growers, employees and their extended families. We encourage women from across our network to apply, or to nominate other eligible women who would benefit from the program.

The scholarship provides one applicant $10,000 per year for up to three years to go towards tertiary study. 

Criteria for selection includes:

• Commitment to a career in agriculture or agribusiness.
• Involvement in work experience and community service.
• Leadership potential.
• Academic achievements.

Eligibility requirements include: 

• Tertiary study aligned with professions in high demand in regional Australia.
• Preferred fields: Agricultural science, engineering, finance/business, and information technology.
• Priority is given to applicants from regional Australia, especially rice-growing areas.
• Open to both current university students and emerging students.

Bob Hawke Landcare Award nominations

Nominations for the 2025 Bob Hawke Landcare Award are open.

This prestigious national award publicly recognises an individual, group or organisation that has been involved in championing landcare and inspiring others to take action on their property or in their community. It acknowledges the remarkable commitment to improving land and natural asset management, and promotional efforts to share knowledge and support others.

The 2025 recipient will be awarded a grant package to the value of $30,000 (ex GST) for further development of their knowledge and skills in sustainable land management to enable an even stronger contribution to landcare.

Nominations close on 31 December.