Former NSW Nationals leader Troy Grant was appointed the Interim Inspector-General of Water Compliance by the federal coalition in December.

Once legislation is finalised, he will begin work ensuring "strong accountability and compliance with the Water Act and the Murray-Darling Basin plan".

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In a tour of the Riverina last week, Mr Grant met with individual irrigators, councils, and other water authorities in Coleambally, Leeton, Narrandera and Hilston.

Speaking to The Area News, Mr Grant said the tour was useful preparation for when he officially begins his work.

"It's not the first time I've been to the Riverina obviously but it was good to get more contemporary information," he said.

"My biggest take away was that there is so much diversity on individual farms. You don't just have traditional cotton or rice growers, they've got such a diversity of crop."

"Hopefully I provided a bit of an update to people who rely on the water industry about how the Inspector General role will fit into the bigger scheme of it all once the legislation is enacted."

Mr Grant's role as Inspector-General is a merging of the existing Independent Inspector-General with the Murrary-Darling Basin Authority's (MDBA) Office of Water Compliance, however it will act independently of the MDBA.

His visit to the Riverina was organised by the Riverina and Murray Joint Organisation (RAMJO), a coalition of 11 local councils, including Griffith, Leeton, and Albury.

Last year, RAMJO released their Water Position Statement, which included eight recommendations on how the region's water markets can be secured.

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Albury mayor Kevin Mack said he is confident Mr Grant will be able to help in the implementation of these recommendations.

"Over these four days, Mr Grant got a true understanding of the length and breadth of the growers and what they grow and how beneficial they are to the community," Cr Mack said.

"Hopefully this new role will lead to a more accountable process because there will be an act of parliament behind him [Mr Grant] that gives him certain powers to do certain things."

"I positively hope Troy can make a difference and I hope the growers and the irrigators get something out of it that is a benefit to them because it's been a long time coming."

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