2025-26 Cotton Australia annual report released
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Cotton Matters
Cotton Australia General Manager Michael Murray visited Central Queensland this week to meet with the Central Highlands Cotton Growers and Irrigators Association and the Dawson Valley Cotton Growers Association.
The visits focused on key water policy issues affecting growers, including the Draft Central Queensland Regional Water Assessment, the review of the Fitzroy Water Resource Plan and the long-term management of irrigation water. The meetings also provided an opportunity for growers to discuss local priorities and strengthen their engagement on regional water policy.
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NSW Irrigators Council’s mid-year meeting heard updates from NSW Water Minister Rose Jackson and Federal Water Minister Murray Watt on Basin Plan priorities. Both Ministers confirmed the Federal Government does not support Basin Plan funding for elements of the NSW Northern Connectivity Review.
Cotton Australia’s Annual General Meeting will be held at 8:30am on Tuesday 4 August 2026 in Rooms 5/6/7, first floor of the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre.
The 2025–26 Annual Report is also now available online.
Water policy will be a key focus at the 2026 Australian Cotton Conference, with Cotton Australia General Manager Michael Murray moderating a session on the Murray-Darling Basin Plan Review, Water Act Review and key issues affecting growers’ water future.
Last week, CGA members, Cotton Australia Chair Liz Stott, Cotton Australia Regional Managers and senior management participated in an online workshop to share ideas around the purpose and roles of CGAs and how they can be best supported.
Cotton Australia is strongly encouraging Queensland growers to take up the Queensland Government’s Irrigation Pricing Rebate Scheme, which offers eligible businesses a 15% rebate on water bills from Seqwater or Sunwater (including Burnett Water) for the 2025–26 and 2026–27 financial years.
Over the past fortnight, Cotton Australia has made representations to state and federal officials on proposed reforms to the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act.
Cotton Australia is hosting a webinar on Wednesday 22 July at 1pm as part of National Farm Safety Week 2026, focusing on managing fatigue on farm and what the new codes mean for growers.
Get behind Goondiwindi Cotton's Goondiwindi Goes For Gold campaign to help bring Australian-grown cotton to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. A successful bid is forecast to deliver more than $40 million in economic output to the Goondiwindi region over five years, supporting local jobs, regional spending and greater recognition for Australian cotton. Show your support at .
Aerial markers are helping make powerlines easier to see during farm work, reducing the risk of contact during spraying, harvesting, planting and drone use. In Queensland, Ergon Energy offers a discounted Rotamarker program, and in NSW eligible farms may be able to access up to $1,000 through the SafeWork NSW Small Business Rebate for safety equipment.
News in Brief
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A recent webinar, delivered by Cotton Australia in partnership with the Jamieson Trauma Institute, provided preliminary STOP THE BLEED® training to attendees. STOP THE BLEED® teaches people without medical training how to respond to serious bleeding injuries, covering critical actions like applying pressure, packing a wound and using a tourniquet. |
An agricultural trade apprenticeship is being considered to help improve career pathways, attract new workers and address skills shortages in agriculture.National Farmers' Federation and Skills Insight are calling on growers to complete a short 4–5 minute survey to show support for the idea. |
2026 Bayer Grower of the Year Nominees
2026 Bayer Cotton Grower of the Year nominee - Matt and Angus Whittaker, Warren NSW
Matt and Angus Whittaker have returned home in recent years to take over the day-to-day operations of their family farm, Whittaker Family Farming, a dryland and irrigated property at Warren in the Macquarie Valley. Working alongside their dad, they focus on getting the fundamentals right - timely operations, efficient irrigation, and strong decision-making - to drive consistent high yields and quality cotton. They’ve steadily improved productivity over time while adopting practical technology and sustainable water and nutrient management.
