Citrus Australia endorses Victorian Government move to increase water market transparency

Citrus Australia endorses Victorian Government move to increase water market transparency

16 December 2019

Citrus Australia endorses measures introduced by the Victorian Government that aim to increase transparency in Victoria’s water markets and has called for other states to act in unison.

Citrus Australia CEO Nathan Hancock says a national, transparent platform is vital to restore confidence in the water market by reducing the potential for manipulation.

“The separation of water from agricultural land titles means greater transparency of water sales is critical,” he said.

“The balance has shifted too far towards traders and brokers making a profit at the expense of growers.”

Under the changes, the Victorian Government will also list the names of water brokers who meet Government standards and auditing requirements associated with the use of Victoria’s water broker portal on the Victorian Water Register website

Mr Hancock says this goes some way to meeting Citrus Australia’s demand for all water brokers to be licensed and regulated.

“We call on all state governments to follow the lead of Victoria. Having the courage to act will support all irrigators, who make a significant contribution to regional communities and the national economy.”