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Abstract
The paper discusses the level of water trading within the NSW Irrigation Industry
along with water prices, reasons, attitudes and knowledge of both permanent and
temporary water trading. It is based on the results of a survey of 1,115 irrigators
representing over 10% of the total irrigators' population within NSW Water Sharing
Plans that commenced during 2004 and various secondary data sources covering
water trading. Temporary water trading in Murray and Lower Murray Darling and
Lachlan catchments has expanded since the commencement of the Water Sharing
Plans in NSW. Nearly 7% and 40% of the irrigators surveyed participated in the
permanent and temporary water markets respectively. Fifty six percent of the
irrigators believed that temporary trading was good for their area, whereas only 28%
had similar views regarding permanent trading.