The event will take place on Monday, June 20 and will be a chance for the organisation to consult with members about setting priority advocacy areas in coming months.

NSW Farmers president Derek Schoen, environment policy director Adair Moar and south west regional services manager Simone Norrie would all feature at the meeting.

“Water has been on our radar for a long time and we understand this is a complex and pressing issue in this region particularly, which is why we want to bring our members in to the one room to cover some very important topics,” Miss Norrie said.

Miss Norrie said one issue that had been consistently flagged by members was the lack of transparency and accountability of Environmental Water.

“Water management policy is a complex issue and has large impact on many of our Members and the socio-economic values of many rural communities and that is why NSW Farmers set up a Presidential Water Taskforce.”

Mr Schoen said the aim of the taskforce was to provide advice and assistance to the association on issues related to water regulation and allocation.

Mr Schoen runs a mixed farming operation at Corowa, which includes irrigated cotton.

“Certainty in water policy is a must for our farmers.

“Water is a big investment component in cropping operations,” Mr Schoen said.

“We hear a lot of feedback from Members in the south west region who have real concerns about water security and sustaining local food production.

“The feedback from this region and the complexities of water policy has been the real drivers behind the need for a NSW Farmers water taskforce.

“I encourage all Members in the region to get along to the meeting and inform us about the local issues. 

“If any non-members would like to attend the meeting, they can call Simone Norrie on 0427 773 495.”

The water forum starts at 1pm at the Griffith Exies Club, Jondaryan Avenue, on Monday, June 20. 

NSW Farmers bring issues farmers are facing to the fore.

For more information on the organisation visit http://www.nswfarmers.org.au/home or visit the Facebook page or send an email to emailus@nswfarmers.org.au