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Working Holiday Maker visa changes raise concerns for cotton workforce No images? Click here Cotton Australia has appointed Matt Linnegar as its new General Manager to succeed long-serving General Manager Michael Murray who is retiring in November after 16 years with the organisation. Cotton Australia CEO Adam Kay said Mr Linnegar brings more than three decades of experience across agriculture, leadership, advocacy, water policy and stakeholder engagement, making him exceptionally well-placed to lead the organisation into its next chapter. Latest NewsCotton Australia has made a submission to the Independent Review of the Water Act 2007, calling for the next phase of water reform to focus on getting better results from the system we already have, rather than another round of major changes or taking more water out of agricultural production. The National Farmers' Federation has recently received advice from the Australian Government regarding forthcoming changes to the Working Holiday Maker visa program that may impact the availability and timing of seasonal workers across agriculture. With Working Holiday Makers an important source of seasonal labour for cotton, Cotton Australia Chair Liz Stott has joined other peak industry body leaders in calling for greater clarity and consultation on the changes. A group of young cotton growers from the Darling Downs have strengthened their financial management skills following a two-day workshop in Toowoomba. Coordinated by Cotton Australia, the Financial Skills Workshop brought together 13 young growers for practical training in measuring financial performance, gross margin analysis and cash flow budgeting. Cotton’s potential in northern Australia is becoming clearer as growers build experience from Far North Queensland to the Northern Territory and across to the Ord. That was the focus of the ‘Cotton’s Newest Frontier: Northern Australia’s Potential’ panel at the Australian Cotton Conference. As part of the Future Cotton Leaders program, participants recently had the opportunity to step beyond the farm and visit the Salvos Stores Textile Recovery Facility just outside Brisbane. For many of the Future Cotton Leaders, their work is focused on the beginning of the textile supply chain, growing the fibre. Australian cotton has a strong story to tell – but how do we make sure it reaches people beyond the farm gate? That was the focus of Cotton Australia’s social media workshop at the Australian Cotton Conference recently, which explored how growers and industry advocates can use online platforms to build trust, reach new audiences and share the real story of cotton. From 1 October 2026, the federal solar rebate is expected to become available for solar systems up to 1 megawatt (MW), up from the current 100 kilowatt (kW) limit. The government estimates the rebate will reduce the cost of eligible systems by around 20 per cent. This could mean a saving of about $68,000 on a 250 kW system and $136,000 on a 500 kW system. Applications are now open for CRDC Grassroots Grants, with up to $10,000 available to Cotton Grower Associations for projects that engage growers, address regional challenges and build skills, knowledge and networks. Since 2011, the program has supported 102 projects with more than $890,000 in funding across Australia’s cotton-growing valleys. News in Brief
The Australian Future Cotton Leaders Program The Australian Future Cotton Leaders Program: 2026 cohort share their insights The 2026 cohort of Australian Future Cotton Leaders Program featured 17 participants from across the cotton supply chain, including growers, agronomists, consultants and merchants. Since its inception in 2006 the program has produced over 140 graduates. |