SOUTH AUSTRALIA CHANGES RULES

Irrigators get 'flexibility' from fresh legislation

Riverland irrigators operating through trusts will now have more flexibility in managing their water.

The Irrigation Act 2009 and the Renmark Irrigation Act 2009 were enacted yesterday.

River Murray Minister Karlene Maywald says the changes are part of the state's commitment to ensuring there are no restrictions on the permanent trading of water.

She says the new legislation will allow trust members to transform their irrigation right into a water licence.

"If someone has a right to access water through a trust, they don't necessarily have the right to trade it or to manage that right in a way in which conforms with the rules of trade," she said.

"We've worked very hard with the irrigation community, with the irrigation trust to ensure the legislation meets their needs, at the same time being compliant with the agreed rules and the regulations at the national level."

Renmark irrigator Tom Martin says he thinks it is a good move to give growers more flexibility.

He says the paperwork involved is extensive and that will not entice many to change their water right to an individual licence.

But Mr Martin says it is important for people to have the opportunity to swap.

"People that wish to take exit grants for whatever reason are now able to do so inside the RIT [Renmark Irrigation Trust], and that's fair because water should be allowed to move freely at the right value, or at the same value inside the RIT as outside," he said.

"I don't want to encourage sales but if people need to sell they shouldn't be restricted."

ABC RADIO - Riverland SA 24th April 2009