Media Release: Government and industry meet at Deniliquin for agriculture talks

Agricultural industry figures and Australian Government ministers will meet in Deniliquin today to discuss a range of key agricultural issues including water and technology opportunities.

Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, Anne Ruston, and Assistant Minister to the Deputy Prime Minister, Luke Hartsuyker, said the Agricultural Industry Advisory Council meeting was an opportunity for the government to consult with industry on crucial policy areas, with water being a key agenda item.

"Deniliquin is a fitting location to visit to discuss issues for agriculture and help guide informed decision-making by the government as a part of our consultative approach to policy development," Minister Ruston said.

As well as face-to-face discussions, council members will tour the Lawson Syphon – which delivers water to the agricultural areas west of Deniliquin – and The Drop hydro plant on the Mulwala Canal.

“As Australia’s first hydroelectric scheme built on an irrigation channel, the Drop generates clean, renewable energy without affecting the water flow to the 2600 farms in the region,” Minister Ruston said.

From there, the council will visit the Deniliquin rice mill, which Minister Hartsuyker said was an ideal opportunity to discuss both the positives and future challenges for Australia’s rice industry.

“Australian-grown rice has a reputation for being clean, green and of a very high quality,” Minister Hartsuyker said.

“All Australian rice is milled, packed and branded in the Riverina, NSW by SunRice.

“The Deniliquin Rice Mill is not only SunRice’s largest and most sophisticated mill, it is one of the largest rice mills in the southern hemisphere and has been proudly producing Riverina-grown rice for more than 40 years.”

Established in January 2014 to provide advice on issues affecting Australia’s agricultural industries, the Agricultural Industry Advisory Council represents a broad cross-section of the agricultural sector including horticulture, grains, dairy, sheep, beef cattle, wine, fisheries, forestry and water.