Availability For Comment: Mr Frank Battistel, Chairman, Riverina Citrus

Availability for Comment: Mr Frank Battistel, Chairman, Riverina Citrus

The Basin Plan and what it means for Riverina citrus growers.

Frank Battistel, Chairman of Riverina Citrus, is available to discuss with media the impacts of the report and ramifications for the Riverina citrus industry and the implications for those irrigators, such as citrus growers, who hold High Security Water Licences.

The Murray Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) will release its draft Basin Plan, a strategic plan for the integrated and sustainable management of water resources in the Murray-Darling Basin tomorrow.

Frank Battistel, Chairman of Riverina Citrus is available to comment on this sensitive issue which effects more than 500 citrus farms and 2,500 thousand direct employees in the Riverina.

"The Riverina is Australia's largest citrus growing region, producing approximately 30% of Australia's citrus products with the industry creating around 2,500 full time jobs" Mr Battistel said.

Riverina Citrus is located in southern New South Wales. Its major production regions are in the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area (M.I.A.) and Hillston. The Hillston growers rely on groundwater and the M.I.A. includes the city of Griffith and townships of Leeton, Yanco and Narranderra.

Frank is available for interview by print and broadcast media.

-ENDS-

MEDIA CONTACT:
Frank Battistel, Chairman M: 0429 996 776
Scot MacDonald, Executive Officer M: 0428 624 333
Julia Southgate M: 0414 276 990

The Riverina is Australia's largest citrus growing region, producing approximately 30% of Australia's citrus products. The Riverina Citrus industry comprises of over 500 citrus properties, supplying 45 citrus packing sheds and 8 citrus juice processors throughout Australia. Fresh quality fruit and juice is supplied to domestic and export customers. For more information on the Riverina Citrus industry visit www.riverinacitrus.com.au

SOURCE: Riverina Citrus