The committee will consider the origins, purpose and regulation of the water trading market, and examine the effects of water trading on the economy, communities and the environment.
Committee chair Robert Borsak said the inquiry was an opportunity to scrutinise whether the current system of water trading was providing the best outcomes for the state.
"The committee is particularly interested in understanding whether the water trading market is being abused through practices like playing the market, cornering the market or fixing the market,’’ Mr Borsak said.
Individuals, businesses, community groups and organisations can lodge a submission to the inquiry online by July 3.
The committee will hold hearings with key stakeholders later in the year.
For more information, visit the committee's website.
Renewable ag conference
The 2022 Renewables in Agriculture Conference will be held on Thursday, August 18 in Albury.
The expo offers farmers the chance to speak to credible renewable energy suppliers about opportunities for their property.
Participants will hear from farmers and experts about:
- future farm vehicles;
- bioenergy;
- battery storage and hydrogen;
- what’s on the horizon for energy and ag; and
- grazing under solar panels.
There is also an option to visit a large scale solar farm in Corowa on Friday, August 19.
To register, details on costs and for the full program visit: renewablesinagconference.com.au
Pink Lady harvest below forecast
Class 1 Pink Lady apples are set to command a higher wholesale price this season.
With the Pink Lady apple harvest well under way, there is a strong sense that Class 1 tonnes of the apple variety will be significantly less than originally forecasted, according to APAL.
Based on estimates, the Class 1 tonnes will be about 64,000 tonnes, down 20 per cent on 2021.
APAL chief executive Phil Turnbull said the 2021 volumes that caused disastrous bin returns are “just not there this season”.
“So, assuming stable demand, we expect stronger wholesale prices in the market,” Mr Turnbull said.
Changes to Hume Fwy at Beveridge
The Melbourne-bound exit from the Hume Fwy at Beveridge will be closed to all traffic until Sunday, June 5 from 7pm until 7am each night.
Motorists heading towards Melbourne on the Hume Fwy will need to continue travelling to a signed U-turn point and cross over to the northbound lanes.
A reduced speed limit will be in place for both directions of the freeway near the exit ramp for everyone’s safety.
Crews will work to improve the pavement on the ramp and at the intersection of Lithgow St and the Old Hume Fwy to provide a smoother and safer journey for all road users.
Real-time traffic conditions are available at traffic.vicroads.vic.gov.au or via the VicTraffic mobile app.
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