This was about 26 per cent of the total value of agricultural production in that year. As the figures I have just quoted amply demonstrate, you have a strong claim to better recognition of your contribution to the nation. If there is a potential negative in these figures, it is that irrigated pastures accounted for 45 per cent of the irrigated area. However, I'd be willing to guess that this proportion would have fallen in the three years since 1996-97, as the effects of the reforms moving water to higher value uses have begun to be felt. There is a perception of doom and gloom amongst urban Australians with regard to the way our water is used.
Irrigation is seen as a destroyer of a resource.
However, noone is presenting the view of the productive use of water. There is a good news story here that needs to be told. I believe your industry needs to put in a concerted effort to balance the negative stories centred around resource management issues by demonstrating your resource management skills, adaptability and preparedness to act as stewards of your lands. Nowhere is this more true than in the horticultural sector a particular interest of mine given my responsibilities as Parliamentary Secretary. As a major contributor to our export performance and at the leading edge of advances in irrigation technology, it has grasped opportunities to improve water use efficiency with enthusiasm.