FLUSHING DELAYS OUT OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA’S WATER MARKET

· Coalition Government invests $13.2 million to speed up water trading for SA’s irrigators

· New system will deliver water where it’s needed without unnecessary delays

· Brings South Australian system in line with other Basin states

Irrigators in the Riverland and Murraylands will soon have access to water within hours of buying it, thanks to a $14.67 million investment in South Australia’s water trading system.

Member for Barker, Tony Pasin said the upgrade will be a big step up from the current system that can take days to process a water purchase.

“This will boost the local economy by strengthening our horticulture sector,” Mr Pasin said.

“Along the river in South Australia we grow some of the best fruit and vegetables in the world and this investment will let farmers get on with it.

“Our farmers will have access to real time water data and will get their hands on it as fast as they need it, just like they do interstate.

“Now our local growers will be able to compete with other farming regions in NSW and Victoria on an even playing field.”

Federal Minister for Water Resources David Littleproud said the move would put an end to losses because of water delays.

“This will make sure crops don’t wilt while farmers wait on their water,” Minister Littleproud said.

“When farmers do well, the whole community does well and this investment will also benefit regional SA businesses.

“The new system will give farmers the flexibility to buy and sell water at short notice.

“It takes the hassle of processing times and delays out of the system.

“It lets water users see real-time data so they can make well-timed business decisions.”

The new system will be fully implemented by 30 June 2021.

Fast Facts:

• Water trading is vital to irrigators, supporting sustainable water management

• The states are primarily responsible for running water markets by their rules

• Water trading in the Murray-Darling Basin is worth around $2 billion annually

• The Federal Government is contributing $13.2 million and the SA Government $1.47 million to the upgrade.

Contact: Charlotte Edmunds  8531 2466