New research into the impact of water reforms on New South Wales irrigators and how they can benefit from an increased emphasis on cooperatives will be revealed at a seminar at Charles Sturt University (CSU) later this week.

The half-day seminar will be hosted by the Australian Centre for Co-operative Research and Development (ACCORD), a joint CSU and University of Technology Sydney (UTS) research initiative.

CSU Associate Professor and ACCORD co-director Eddie Oczkowski and UTS researcher Kathryn Parker will unveil their findings into the impact of water reforms as well as the existing and potential advantages for irrigators in expanding the role of cooperatives in the water market.

A collective approach to rural water management can reduce costs and lead to improved market power for irrigators as well as increased  investment in the sector to reduce the salinity effects of water use.

A number of speakers at the ACCORD seminar will demonstrate the success of cooperatives in Hunter Valley vineyards and discuss the overseas experience in water cooperation. 

Speakers will also discuss cooperation in developing water management catchment plans and cooperation among irrigators in Murrumbidgee irrigation.

The forum, Water Reform, Cooperation and the role of Cooperatives will be held from 8.30am to 1pm at the CSU Wagga Wagga Campus Convention Centre this Friday 21 February 2003.