On behalf of the Australian organising committee, it is my pleasure to invite you to the 2nd Asian Regional Conference to be held in Echuca/Moama from 14th to 17th March 2004.

The reforms that have occurred in the irrigation industry in Australia over the past decade have been recognised as the adoption of world’s best practice. Most water utilities in Australia are now operated as either corporatised or privatised entities with irrigators meeting the real costs of providing water supply and drainage services. Irrigators have become increasingly involved in decision making and management of water supply utilities.

Australia being the driest continent on earth is at the forefront of developing programs and technologies for improving water system delivery efficiencies and on-farm water use efficiency. This is being achieved as part of a total catchment management approach ensuring that environmental issues such as salinity, river health and water quality are managed in sustainable way.

The theme for the 2nd Asian Regional Conference is "Irrigation in a Total Catchment Context, Sharing the River". This will provide delegates with the opportunity to share experiences in managing irrigation and drainage from a total catchment perspective and to experience first hand local Australian programs and projects.

Echuca/Moama is situated on the River Murray in the middle of the intense irrigation areas of northern Victoria and southern New South Wales. March has been chosen to coincide with late summer weather and the irrigation season for rice, dairying and horticulture.

As Chairman of ANCID and the organising committee I enthusiastically invite you to the 2nd Asian Regional Conference at Echuca Moama in March 2004.

Stephen Mills
Chairman Organising Committee
Chairman ANCID

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