Senator Wong last month had a round table discussion with representatives from SAMI, Renmark Irrigation Trust, Central Irrigation Trust and Sunlands Irrigation Trust at the Renmark Club before visiting three local properties showcasing the latest irrigation technology.

SAMI director Tim Whetstone said the meeting had established a solid platform for further discussions in the New Year.

"To be honest, we were all encouraged with her knowledge - she had clearly done her homework - her enthusiasm to implement change and her willingness to listen," Mr Whetstone said.

"The day was all about dispelling any pre-conceived images of irrigators that the Senator may have had.

"We understand that to survive we need a healthy river system and that the environmental considerations that will involve in the years ahead.

"What we were able to do was show the Senator that this goal is not mutually exclusive to an efficient, sustainable irrigation industry."

Mr Whetstone said topics covered during the meeting included:

* the value of long term, low interest loans to irrigators entering a third year of restricted allocations;

* the pricing problems associated with speculators leasing water for profit instead of use;

* inefficient infrastructure that was prone to enormous water wastage;

* over allocated water resources across the Murray Darling Basin; and

* the need for water reform within the Basin.

SOURCE: Extract from full report to appear in Stock Journal, SA, January 3 issue.