Due to the ongoing discussion around the Murray Darling Basin Plan and water trading, both in parliament and among The Land's readers, we polled NSW politicians about their water assets.
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The Land asked:
- Do you hold a water access licence, bore licence or a water licence that permits you to use water for stock and domestic purposes?
- Do you receive water via an irrigation company?
- Do you currently trade water? If yes what is its value?
Of the 135 politicians polled by The Land, five had a water or bore licence for stock and domestic purposes while one received water via an irrigation company.
None of those that responded traded water.
Only 57 politicians did not respond, including NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian.
Murray MP Helen Dalton holds a water access licence, which is used for food and fibre production as well as water for stock and domestic purposes. The stock and domestic usage sits within her water access licence. She does not own a bore licence.
Mrs Dalton said she received water via the irrigation company Murrumbidgee Irrigation.
"My water entitlements are listed on the pecuniary interest register for NSW MPs. Ridiculously, there is no legal requirement for members of parliament to declare their water interests," Mrs Dalton said.
"However, I have voluntarily listed my water ownership under the "discretionary disclosures" section.
Deputy Premier John Barilaro and Dubbo MP Dugald Saunders each have a bore for domestic and livestock purposes.
Water Minister Melinda Pavey was among the politicians who did respond. She said no to all three questions.
Mental Health, Regional Youth and Women Minister Bronnie Taylor, who is a director of Fairross Pty Ltd, has a water access licence for stock and domestic use. The company also has an irrigation licence that has never been used as Fairross does not run any cropping operations.
Coffs Harbour MP Gurmesh Singh said his family had Water Access Licences and their properties also had harvestable rights and the water was used on their macadamia and berry orchards.
"It is not used for stock and domestic purposes," Mr Singh said.
Albury MP Justin Clancy said he did not hold a water licence and the only water on his property was used for stock and domestic.
"I do not hold a licence, only water use on property is for stock and domestic," Mr Clancy said.
Wes Fang, who is a Nationals Member of the Legislative Council, said he was issued a permit for a bore at his house in 2015, but it was never installed.
Barwon MP Roy Butler, who holds no water licences, said he was supportive of an open, transparent water market including transparency around who trades and owns water, including politicians and foreign entities.
Mr Butler said those that don't hold land for primary production purposes should be able to own and trade water.
But he said for those who had in good faith invested in water there should be a transition process should the rules around trade and ownership change.
Natalie Ward, who is a Member of the Legislative Council, said: "Other than being a domestic consumer of Sydney Metropolitan Water via Sydney Water, no".
Rod Roberts, who is a Member of the Legislative Council, said: "For completeness and transparency sake I have never at any time held any type of water licence, nor have I held any in a company or trust name."
A response from Mulgoa MP Tanya Davies electorate office said the member declined the "opportunity to comment on the questions" provided.
Agriculture Minister Adam Marshall answered no to all questions.
