general manager, Kaitlin Leonard, at a lunch that showcased local produce, and delved into the history of the Malt House, its location, development, use of local produce and promotion of local industry and community. Continuing the focus on sustainably sourced local produce, the study tour took attendees to one of the region’s Aquina Sustainable Murray Cod fish farms, where Aquina’s immense fish farm infrastructure was showcased. Representatives from Aquina outlined their efforts to ensure minimum water loss, consistent water quality, fish breeding, as well as how (with using a land-based aquaculture model) Aquina’s approach provided one of the lowest environmental footprints in the industry. Study tour attendees toured the Leeton Rice Mill and explored the efforts of Rice Breeding Australia to futureproof the rice industry in Australia. Rice Breeding Australia indicated to attendees that they were currently breeding a variety of rice that would be less susceptible to cold weather elements, a potential game changer in water usage in the industry. Rice Breeding Australia estimated that they could take six to 10 years to breed a variety of rice for commercial sale. Fourteen motions were raised at the MDA’s AGM ranging from water storage and weir management, meaningful federal engagement with Basin communities, the longterm impacts of growth on river resources, sustainable water resource planning, as well as broader Basin representation. At the gala dinner sponsor Murray-Darling Basin Authority’s A/g CEO Ms Jacqui Hickey, outlined a collaborative, inclusive, and combined approach to the future of the Basin, drawing focus on the importance of the MDBA and the MDA’s partnership and the benefits that have come from, and would come in future, of the collaboration of the Authority and Association on Basin matters, and the representation of Local Government, communities and industries across the Basin. Dr Bertie Hennecke, Australia’s Chief Biosecurity Officer, presented on Biocontrol in the Basin. He drew on the MDA’s recent advocacy regarding the management of the European Carp in the Basin’s waterways, focussing their presentation on the Carp Biological Control Program and Biosecurity in Australia’s Waterways. Presentations and a combined panel session of Shadow Ministers Ms Steph Cooke MP and Hon Nicola Centofanti MLC, as well as Member for Murray Mrs Helen Dalton MP brought focus on the opportunities and challenges faced in the Basin states and regions in future-proofing communities and the environment. Prof Mike Stewardson raised the Basin’s water challenges, water sharing, the declining trust in institutions across Australia, the outline of the One Basin CRC’s partnership and project management as a broader network, sidelining the traditional silo approach, as well as an outline of the CRC’s current projects and demonstration sites. The conference’s final Panel Session addressed Food and Fibre in the Basin. Engaging with Elizabeth Stott, Cotton Australia Chair, CEO Jeremy Cass, Riverina Winegrape Growers, and Nathan Crowley, Rice Growers Association, attendees and presenters discussed the challenges in their respective industries, including market demand, water availability, erratic climate, as well as success stories and opportunities such as technological advancements, practice and policy improvements, resilience through breeding lessons and practices learnt that could be taught and exported to the world. 8 BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA VOLUME 08, ISSUE 01
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