Owner Anthony McCloskey set up Key Water in May 2017 and in less than 12 months has earned a glowing reputation, particularly by those it serves.

Despite real-life agriculture experience for Mr McCloskey and employee Rebecca Williams, it was still somewhat of a leap to establish the business.

Rebecca grew up on a farm at Tabbita and Anthony previously worked in the seed business before trying his hand as a water broker, then branching out on his own with a simple philosophy: “If I wanted to make things better, what would the ideal be? It would be a water broker that people wanted to call”.

“It was all about trying to set up something simpler, more client friendly; a company that people would be more comfortable dealing with,” Mr McCloskey said.

“You’ve got to have a positive reputation and people able to give that personal feedback. Not many clients will only deal with one broker so you’ve got to be seen to be producing results.”

One client happy with his results is Chris Morshead, a mixed summer and winter irrigator with properties east of Griffith.

“They run a good show,” he said. “There is nothing too big or too small and they’re local, they’ve got their finger on the pulse. They don’t over-promise or under-deliver, unlike many operators.”

Mr Morshead said Key Water understands its customers and the markets.

“‘Maca’ has been our main water broker for many seasons,” he said. “They will do whatever we want, to the best of their ability.”

Given 50 per cent of new businesses don’t succeed, Mr McCloskey is relieved at how his business is growing.

“It’s improving each month,” Mr McCloskey said. “I’m finding we’re gaining momentum through word of mouth and the website.”

MURRUMBIDGEE Irrigation (MI) has commenced modernisation works throughout the south-western part of the MIA network as part of the shift to automation.

The program is around double the amount of work completed in 2017 and forms part of the largest suite of works undertaken in the region in over 100 years. 

However, it will not be as noticeable to the community with no expected impact to town water supply.

While some works are being done throughout the current irrigation season, there will be an extended 2018 winter shutdown period for this part of the network to complete the works.

Channel widening works on the Sturt and Warburn channels will commence in early March. 

MI will also be undertaking automation works in Widgelli and Bilbul in March, including provisions to pump-around structures, to enable construction while we continue to deliver water.

For more information on the modernisation works or expansion opportunities, call MI on 6962 0200.