This National Water Week, the NSW Irrigators' Council (NSWIC) is highlighting the critical link between the water farmers use, the food on our tables and the fibre in our clothes. Further cuts to productive water availability and rising water charges put both farmers and consumers at risk.
NSWIC CEO Dr Madeleine Hartley said access to affordable, productive water was essential to Australia's food and fibre security and supported farming families, local businesses and livelihoods across NSW.
"The economic contribution of productive water is significant. Research indicates that every 1,000 megalitres of irrigation water can support between three and six regional jobs, while one megalitre of irrigation water generates, on average, more than $2,000 in gross value through agricultural production", Dr Hartley said.
"Nearly every product we consume has a water footprint. From the food on our tables to the fibre we wear, water connects everything.
"NSW irrigators operate under the country's strictest licensing, metering and compliance requirements while continually improving their water-use efficiency.
"Behind every megalitre are farming families who have grown our food and fibre, invested in their businesses, and supported their communities for decades.
"When productive water is taken away, the impacts extend well beyond the farm gate, affecting local cafés and restaurants, operators and the businesses that keep regional supply chains moving.
"NSW irrigators need reliable access to productive water. But they also need affordable water.
Dr Hartley said the rising cost of food production would be felt by consumers at supermarket checkouts. She said a fair and sustainable water pricing framework was essential to maintaining a viable irrigation industry.
"NSWIC is calling on the NSW Government to cap water price increases at 5 per cent per annum, including inflation, until a review of the water pricing framework is completed by 2028."
"This year's National Water Week theme reminds us that water connects our farmers to your food and fibre production and all of our livelihoods, whether you're in regional NSW or metropolitan Australia."
