"IT'S a starting point, but it should have been a starting point some time ago".
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
That is the thoughts of Leeton Shire Council mayor Paul Maytom, who this week attended the ACCC water inquiry forum in Griffith.
Councillor Maytom was one of about 100 to attend the meeting, which discussed everything from water trading and prices to allocations.
Cr Maytom has been vocal in his criticism of the current water trading market, labelling it "corrupt" earlier this year.
He has said he doesn't blame farmers for selling their water, but said the system needs to change and some sort of cap needs to be imposed to stop large amounts of water leaving the MIA.
"I thought the meeting with the ACCC covered many of the issues, which was good to see," Cr Maytom said.
MORE NEWS
"Hopefully they cover these in their terms of reference and conduct a thorough investigation into what is happening.
"There was a lot of discussion on transparency and I think that is important."
Cr Maytom said it was crucial to know where water was going and who it was going to.
He said the "inefficient" delivery of water once it was traded was another area that needed to be addressed.
"What we are seeing now is a lot of water being lost in conveyancing," Cr Maytom said.
"We need to have a good hard look at that because it's just not good enough.
"I believe deregulating the water system was a mistake, so how they unscramble the eggs, I don't know.
"What I do know is there needs to be more equity for everyone in the system."
ACCC deputy chairman Mick Keogh answered questions on the day and said he was aware of the many differing views when it came to the water system and its many complexities.
The ACCC is due to hand down an interim report into its inquiry on May 31 before a final report is detailed on November 30 next year.
****
While you're with us, you can now receive updates straight to your inbox every Friday at 6am from The Irrigator. To make sure you're up to date with all news in Leeton sign up here.