Key aspects of the decision-making process and background information was supplied before the floor was opened to questions from concerned water users.

At the outset, a socio-economic impact review and groundwater impact modelling report were presented to irrigators – key demands arising from the first departmental meeting last month.

Report cards for each water source within the Peel Valley were made available, as well as a further background information booklet in concert with the draft pan.

Office of Water manager of planning Gary Coady explained the convoluted set of policy decisions, both federal and state, and outlines Government requirements for any water-sharing plan.

Daniel Connor of the Office of Water in Armidale gave an overview of the major issues that had come to light since the draft was made public on September 24.

Mr Connor stressed the need for further grower submissions.

“The key is to get the best plan we can, which means we must hear growers’ concerns,” Mr Connor told the meeting.

Questions from irrigators were at times heated, the major sentiment being a call for a delay in the November 16 deadline for submissions.

“The department has had well over a year and we get 40 days to comment,” one grower said.

• More in tomorrow’s Leader